The Westpac Ride to Give Charity Bike Ride on 2nd-4th April, with cyclists embarking on a loop through the New England region with a mission to raise over $400,000 for some very worthy grass roots causes.
The ride will see over 55 cyclists travel a 485km loop over three days through Armidale, Tamworth, and Bingara, with funds raised going to support charities including BackTrack Youth Works and The Tie Dye Project. Since 2014, the bike ride has raised more than $3 million for charity. The event is the work of leading construction firm FDC, who have co-created and delivered the ride as a key part of their annual Giving Program.
This year, FDC is bringing the charity ride in-house to give back to a wide range of causes and ensure as many grassroots and regional charities are supported every year, which this year will focus on youth outcomes and cancer research. The popular Armidale-based BackTrack Youth Works, and cancer fundraising charity the Tie Dye Project, are the main beneficiaries of this year’s ride.
Through Ride to Give, The Tie Dye Project is raising money on behalf of the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation, with funds raised going towards clinical research into sarcoma cancer. Amy Parmenter, The Tie Dye Project Founder said they were incredibly proud to be supporting the foundation.
“This is a cause very close to our hearts and the support we have received from FDC Ride to Give will help us continue our fight against sarcoma.”
Ben Cottle, FDC Managing Director said the team at FDC are honoured to be supporting BackTrack Youth Works, The Tie Dye Foundation as well as some incredible community groups and organisations through this year’s Ride to Give.
“At FDC, we are committed to giving back to the community and working hard to build a better future.”
“It’s great to see so many people get behind such incredible causes, without our incredible team of cyclists and volunteers this wouldn’t be possible.”
“I would like to extend my thanks to all involved in making 2023 Westpac Ride to Give Charity ride such a success.”
In addition to these recipients, FDC has connected with several local legends that are passionate about local causes in their communities, including schools, community groups, and indigenous centres. As the cyclist’s ride through these communities, they will stop off to deliver much needed support totalling over $10,000 to these great causes.
With support from Westpac and fantastic efforts from the Ride to Give team of cyclists, FDC has so far raised $350,000 to support BackTrack, The Tie Dye Project and community groups across New England.
Pat Cunningham, Westpac Head of Sponsorship and Community Activations, said they know grassroots programs are crucial in improving outcomes for people in regional communities.
“We are proud to be supporting FDC’s Ride to Give this year, providing financial support to local programs like BackTrack Youth Track and funding critical cancer research through The Tie Dye Foundation.”
There is still an opportunity to show your support with fundraising still open and tickets available for locals who are keen to head out to our Gala Dinner finale event and hear from BackTrack founder Bernie Shakeshaft and Tie Dye Project co-founder Molly Croft, an inspiring young lady who is a two time osteosarcoma survivor. Head to the Ride to Give website for more information.
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