Rolling for the kids

A PARADE of cyclists will take to the region’s roads this weekend as part of the twelfth annual Ride For Sick Kids fundraiser event.

With proceeds going towards Ronald McDonald House Charities, this year’s ride is seeking to raise over $150,000 to provide accommodation for families of sick children.

The ride will take place from Saturday, 19 March to Monday, 21 March, when over 40 participants will travel around the region, including along Ballarat’s RoadNats circuit.

Last year’s ride in Lorne introduced a virtual event alongside the in-person trek, and RFSK chair David Upham said 2022 effort will provide further development on that idea.

“Not everyone can take three or four days off to go on the actual ride and get involved in that way,” he said.

“But for those wanting to contribute however they can, it’s the best way that they can raise funds for the house without having to go out and purchase a bike or do those sorts of things.

“They can do it on a standstill bike or their own push bike, a mountain bike, whatever they’ve got on hand can be used.”

Another new development from the Lorne event will carry over into this year, and Mr Upham said the ride will now take place solely within Ballarat as a “hub space” rather than riding from town to town.

While their annual goal looks to be on pace, Mr Upham is urging Ballarat locals to throw their support towards the event.

“We’re on track but we really do need the support of the Ballarat community and anyone else who would like to get involved,” he said.

“They can do that through many channels like the virtual ride or even sponsoring a rider on our page, and probably the best value for money would be coming to our dinner.”

The ride is traditionally accompanied by a celebratory fundraiser and dinner that takes place alongside the on road effort, although this year’s has been delayed to Thursday, 19 May.

Titled Cause to Celebrate, the fundraiser will comprise a meal at the Goods Shed, to be hosted by former VFL and AFL player, Wayne Schwass with performances by hypnotist Rohan Gazzard, and comedian Lehmo.

For more information, visit rmhcvictas.org.au/event/rfsk2022.