In just four years, a dedicated group of people have raised a quarter of a million dollars using nothing more than peddle power.
This includes Department of Human Services Hartley Coordinator David Lander, who is set to cycle 450 kilometres this weekend for the Hartley Lifecare Cycle Challenge.
David will join a group of 23 riders and four support staff from the department and Australian Hearing, as they tackle the round trip from Canberra to Charlotte Pass through the Snowy Mountains.
“In four years of participating we’ll have raised more than $250,000 for people with disability in the ACT, which we’re extremely proud of,” David said.
“We’ve worked really hard with the help of Australian Hearing, and are currently the highest fundraiser for the challenge.“It’s really great to be part of an event where the money we raise has a direct impact on the lives of people who use Hartley services.”
Australian Hearing Regional General Manager, Rick Wright said he is honoured to support the life-changing work of Hartley Lifecare.
“I’m looking forward to the Cycle Challenge but, more importantly, I’m proud we can help Hartley continue to overcome the challenges facing people living with disability in our community,” Rick said.
The route to Charlotte Pass in Kosciusko National Park isn’t easy.
The team will battle steep inclines, strong winds and rain, flat tyres and the odd swooping magpie – but David says it’s all worth it.
“All of the training and fundraising we do before the challenge develops our teamwork skills, and is great for our mental health,” David said.
“Seeing the direct impact we’re having on people’s lives tops it off.”
Hartley Lifecare CEO Eric Thauvette said the money raised will go towards building a new respite care facility for people living with disability in the ACT.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Department of Human Services, the staff who are riding in this year’s Cycle Challenge and all of the wonderful supporters who have once again helped them to achieve their outstanding fundraising results,” Eric said.
Hartley Lifecare is a local, specialised disability service that has provided high quality residential, recreational, respite, transport and community services for people with physical and complex disabilities for over 50 years.
David and the team kick off their ride this Friday 23 November and return Sunday 25 November.
More information
- To support the Hartley Lifecare Cycle Challenge, go to the Hartley Lifecare website.
