WHO needs training when there’s a good cause to get you on your bike?
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And First National Real Estate Bonnici and Associates director William Bonnici is definitely ready to take on the last leg of the annual Ronald McDonald House Charities Ride for Sick Kids, pedalling from Rutherglen to Albury.
More or less.
“The last time I put on Lycra I think I was doing a take off of Cher,” Mr Bonnici said.
“I usually spend more time on four wheels, so unless they give me a Harley I’m going to have to get into training.
“But I saw this as a great opportunity.
“Ronald McDonald House is fantastic for families who have to stay at hospital, removing the financial burden when there is such an emotional burden of having sick children.
“It’s a cause close to many people’s hearts — whether they’ve used the facility themselves or not there chances are you’d know someone who has.”
The Ride for Sick Kids is a five day challenge that aims to raise more than $500,000 for RMHC in Victoria.
The charity supports seriously ill children and their families during tough times, with funds going to support programs such as the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Wodonga.
The 500km ride’s 40 cyclists will set off from Mildura on August 16, going through Swan Hill, Echuca and Cobram, and will arrive in Albury on Wednesday, August 19.
To celebrate the riders’ arrival there will be a fundraiser at Paddy’s Hotel on the Wednesday night, with an evening of entertainment and a chance to bid on a range of items.
“It’s such a great cause,” Mr Bonnici said. “Ronald McDonald House is such a huge thing from regional perspective.”
In 2013 the ride stopped off in Wodonga as participants rode from Bendigo to Melbourne.
McDonald’s Albury licensee Maree Cables said the ride aimed to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s work across the state.
“We ask the people of Albury to rally around the cyclists and the ride to support the vital work of RMHC, who in turn support many families in the area during tough times,” she said.
To find out more or make a donation visit rideforsickkids.com.au.