Ride funds dished out
The $153,000 raised by Timaru’s annual three-day bike ride was split between seven charities at a gathering on Thursday.
Hospice South Canterbury, where the gathering was held, receives 40 per cent of the money each year, which equated to $63,000 this year.
‘‘This is the biggest cheque I remember the charity ride dishing out,’’ Charity Bike Ride chairman Shane Brookland said.
Hospice South Canterbury general manager Peter O’Neill said the donation was ‘‘by far’’ the largest the service had received.
‘‘We are honoured to be a cornerstone recipient,’’ O’Neill said.
YMCA South Canterbury, Alzheimers South Canterbury, the Graeme Dingle Foundation, Learning 4 U, Cystic Fibrosis, and Riding for the Disabled Geraldine also benefited from the event.
YMCA board member Stacey Scott – who accepted $27,500 on behalf of the charity – said the group would put the money towards a programme helping high school students manage stress, navigate social media, build healthy relationships, and reject drugs and alcohol.
‘‘I’m eternally grateful for the Charity Bike Ride and the community,’’ Scott said.
‘‘Any support charity can get is always beneficial.’’
Rapid Relief Team (RRT) Timaru team leader Ben Boakes said he approached organisers of the event three years ago to offer the team’s services.
‘‘It’s supporting a good cause,’’ Boakes said.
A team of 25 volunteers supplied riders with water and made dinner each night, with 350 meals served.
RRT’s contribution saved bike ride organisers $6,777 and put that amount into the charity pool.
The international charitable organisation was established in 2013 and its website states RRT believes in expressing the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church scriptural principles of care and compassion.
The bike ride – which saw participants travel from Timaru, to Tekapo, to Kurow, and back to Timaru – has raised $1.75 million in its 14-year history.