UPDATE: Thirty-two cyclists led by comedian Hamish Blake have raised more than $120,000 for Foodbank Victoria.
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The Hunger Ride corporate charity challenge through the North East saw the riders tackle 172 kilometres on Saturday, the hottest November day on record in many towns.
On Tuesday morning, the fundraising total stood at $123,116. Blake heads the leader board with $31,462 collected so far.
EARLIER: Comedian Hamish Blake and AFL footballer Max Gawn will pedal off from Beechworth on Saturday, November 28, joining others trying to break the cycle of food insecurity.
The Hunger Ride is a 172 kilometre corporate charity ride in the North East that includes Mount Buffalo and Mount Stanley.
"Signing up to a 172km bike ride seems a strange thing to do when you haven't been allowed to ride more than 5kms from home for the last few months, but The Hunger Ride isn't any old bike ride," Blake said.
"It's one of the main fundraising events for Foodbank Victoria who have been incredible helping people in this especially tough year."
IN OTHER NEWS:
As well as the corporate team members, 2003 Tour de France green jersey winner Baden Cooke and cycling commentator Matthew Keenan will take on the challenge.
Foodbank Victoria chief executive Dave McNamara said more people than ever were in need after a devastating year.
"Many hardworking families are finding themselves in a position they never anticipated, unable to put food on the table," he said.
"Although we're currently working to provide 1.2 million meals monthly to Victorians in need, demand continues to outstrip supply."
Foodbank distributed more than 9.3 million kilograms of food last financial year to its 533 charity partners across Victoria.
Since the first event in 2018, The Hunger Ride has raised more than $140,000 to support Foodbank Victoria's emergency food relief efforts.
To donate or find out more, go to thehungerride.com.au