Ride for Compassion kicked off in Perth WA on September 17th and finished on October 19th in Newcastle NSW.
Ride for Compassion cyclists and support crew took to the road to help raise money for vulnerable children living in poverty, including those affected by COVID 19 and the global food crisis.
On September 17th, a dedicated group of cyclists and support crew set off from Cottesloe Beach, and are riding a gruelling 4,200 kilometres across Australia, including the rugged terrain of the Nullarbor.
The team is aiming to raise $1,000,000 for children living in poverty and see 150 children sponsored through Compassion Australia.
Each cyclist undertakes extensive training before the event, pays for their on-road costs, and raises funds for the work of Compassion. Funds raised will support children living in unthinkable circumstances, including those impacted by COVID-19 and the global food crisis.
Remarkable Riders
Many remarkable riders are taking part this year, including 69-year-old Ross Adams; 70-year-old Mike Jeffs, founder and CEO of ACCTV; and Nellie Logan who wrote over 3,500 letters to children in Compassion’s sponsorship program just last year.
For 69-year-old Ross Adams, this ride is a particular feat of strength. After an intense surgical procedure to remove a tumour from the frontal lobe of his brain, Ross was left blind in his right eye—but this hasn’t deterred him from the challenge.
“In 2014, I discovered I had a meningioma tumour in the frontal lobe of my brain. I was told I would die if I didn’t have surgery. The tumour was successfully removed, but I currently have a second tumour on a watching brief,” says Ross.
“I am blessed with the physical capacity to ride a bike for long hours, so, for me, it is the perfect way to use my gift to give children an opportunity to live.”
Despite his health struggles, including some broken bones in training for the ride, Ross says he “celebrates being alive every day” and was looking forward to the Ride for Compassion challenge.
For Nellie Logan, this epic ride isn’t the only way she supports the work of Compassion Australia. She single-handedly writes letters to more than 900 children living in poverty every year on behalf of other sponsors, giving them encouragement and reminding them they are loved.
“I want people to understand why we are doing this ride,” says Nellie. “We are doing it for the children living in poverty. If by the money we raise through this ride, we can change the lives of children for the better, it is all worth it.”
Riding the Distance
The 2022 event sees cyclists ride from the beautiful beaches of Western Australia, across the rugged Nullarbor, to the bustling east coast city of Newcastle.
The ride concluded on October 19, with the riders dipping their tyres in Nobby’s Beach at Newcastle, with celebrations following at Compassion Australia Headquarters in Warabrook.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Compassion Australia postponed Ride for Compassion in 2021. This decision was made due to border closures and to ensure the safety of all riders and support crew.
“We wish to thank and celebrate all the riders that have invested considerable time, energy and training towards fundraising for vulnerable children living in poverty around the world,” says Compassion Australia CEO Clare Steele. “We are truly grateful.”
To learn more about how you can make an impact, visit here.
For interviews or comment, please contact Georgina Bible: georgina@jerseyroadpr.com or Andrew Marsh andrew.marsh@jerseyroadpr.com
About Compassion Australia
As part of a global network of more than 40 countries, Compassion Australia is a Christian child development charity with over 70 years of experience. Compassion works to see children released from poverty in Jesus’ name. By working with local partners who understand their communities' needs, their programs support over 2 million children living in poverty. At present, more than 90,000 Australians sponsor children through Compassion Australia.