A team of 23 cyclists from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Australian Hearing in Canberra plans to ride 450 kilometres this weekend (24/25 November) to raise funds for the local charity, Hartley Lifecare,
Led by DHS coordinator, David Lander the riders, together with four support staff, will cycle from Canberra to Charlotte Pass through the Snowy Mountains and back.
Mr Lander said that in the past four years DHS had raised a quarter of a million dollars for people with disabilities in the ACT, using nothing more than pedal power.
“We’ve worked really hard with the help of Australian Hearing, and are currently the highest fundraiser for the Hartley Lifecare Cycle Challenge,” Mr Lander said.
Chief Executive of Hartley Lifecare, Eric Thauvette said the money raised by the DHS riders would go towards building a new respite care facility for people living with disability in the ACT.
Regional General Manager of Australian Hearing, Rick Wright (pictured) said he was honoured to support the life-changing work of Hartley Lifecare.
“I’m looking forward to the Cycle Challenge but, more importantly, I’m proud we can help Hartley continue to overcome the challenges facing people living with disability in our community,” Mr Wright said.
Mr Lander said the route to Charlotte Pass in Kosciusko National Park was not easy.
“The team will battle steep inclines, strong winds and rain, flat tyres and the odd swooping magpie, but it will all be worth it,” he said.
The cyclists begin their ride today (23 November) and expect to return on Sunday.
The team’s fundraising efforts can be supported at this PS News link.