From left: Peter Brack, Michael Wilson, Steven Leach, Travis Waterhouse, Hans Luiten, John Gillespie and Matt Weatherhead will be taking part in the ride to raise funds for Outlook.By Marc McGowan
A TEAM of 10 bike riders will take to the pavement on 24 and 25 March to help raise funds for charity organisation Outlook.
The riders will be involved in the annual Woody’s MurraytoMoyne 24hour Team Cycle Relay Event, but will travel a slightly different route from Echuca to Port Fairy, which will span more than 520 kilometres.
Outlook is a Pakenhambased organisation for disabled adults, which aims to increase their independence by creating employment, training and community opportunities for more than 275 participants.
The organisation recently received a $10,000 donation from the Cardinia Foundation and is hoping to raise a further $10,000 from the ride for new buses.
Outlook administration manager Jenny Stone said the organisation was extremely grateful to the riders.
“Over the past 12 months we have had major issues with breakdowns,” she said.
“We have had clients stranded and have had to get our bus towed.
“It is just something that has become a huge issue and we haven’t always been proactive in asking for money.
“We do have a business arm that helps provide services for our organisation, but with a huge purchase like a bus, we have had to sort of go to fundraising to assist us.”
Outlook has also received a $1200 cheque from Pakenham Photo Barn owner Darren Spargo to support the event.
“Darren ran an expo at the Cardinia Cultural Centre and said to help us along he would run a photo competition, where participants pay $5 to enter,” Ms Stone said.
“A hundred and twenty people entered and it was narrowed down to the best 20.
“Those 20 were displayed at the photographic expo and people could vote for the best photo by gold coin donation, knowing proceeds were going to Outlook.”
The $1200 will go towards special jerseys for the riders and each jersey will cost $70.
Outlook will provide a support team for the riders, with two buses and a trailer, and the organisation hopes to attract corporate sponsorship.
“The sponsors will be able to have their logo on the jerseys and on the buses or trailer,” Ms Stone said.
Anyone interested in providing a donation for the event can send it to 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham, 3810, or for details on business sponsorship packages, call Jenny Stone on 5941 1535.
