Pushing for funds in a good cause

THE Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills was well represented last weekend when members took part in the annual six-day 600-kilometre Rotary District Bike Ride to Conference event.
Club president, Harry Hornstra, along with Howard Campbell, Gus DeHoogd and Hans and Judith Van Dyk joined 60 fellow Rotarians, exchange students and support crew from the district’s 52 Rotary clubs.
The ride began in Orbost on Sunday and finishes in Geelong tomorrow before the start of the District Conference, which will be attended by about 1000 delegates and guests.
The purpose of the ride is to raise awareness and funds for several purposes.
One is Life Education, a non-government, independent charity that assists 210,000 primary students to better understand health, safety and drug prevention.
Another is Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, which aims to build and operate a community-based not-for-profit accommodation facility for patients and their families who will be attending the Cancer Care Centre being built at LaTrobe Regional Hospital, or undergoing other treatment for long-term degenerative disease. Also to benefit will be Interplast, a non-profit organisation that provides voluntary medical teams to undertake plastic and reconstructive surgery in neighbouring developing countries.
Riders pedalled through Bairnsdale, Maffra, Warragul, Berwick, Sorrento and across the Ferry to Queenscliff, on the way visiting and participating in Rotary club meetings that also provided home hosting.
Rotarians have said that as the group rides their way through the region they would love onlookers to give them a wave to show their support.
Mr Hornstra said people should not be alarmed to see the Life Education mascot Harold the Giraffe riding the specially fitted tandem bicycle.
“Don’t expect to see a lean bunch of racers, as many of the riders, whose ages range from 16 to 74, are novices, but are training and willing to raise some sweat and get active for a deserving cause,” he said.
“The riders pay for the privilege to participate to cover all expenses and obtain sponsorship for their efforts.”
More than $200,000 has been raised for charity since the ride’s inception in 2002.
To sponsor or support the ride in any way, contact the committee chairman Martin Pater from the Rotary Club of Endeavour Hills, phone 0418 144 064.