Cyclists raise over $110,000 for Ronald McDonald House Adelaide

Families staying at Ronald McDonald House Adelaide will benefit from a brand new kitchen thanks to the efforts of twenty cyclists who raised over $110,000 in the inaugural SA Ride for Sick Kids.

The 1,029 kilometre fundraising ride, which took a week to complete, started in Port Lincoln and ended at the House in Adelaide’s Melbourne Street, where the riders were given a heroes’ welcome by the House families, friends and supporters. The Governor of South Australia and his wife Mrs Scarce were also in attendance.

The riders were joined on the first and last leg of the ride by triple world champion and Olympic bronze medal track cyclist Kaarle McCulloch. Kaarle was the official ride ambassador and acted as an inspiration and motivator for the riders.

Ronald McDonald Adelaide House Executive Officer Jane Scotcher said we’re very grateful to the riders for their commitment, raising valuable funds and spreading the word about the work of the House in regional communities.

“The riders have generated significant awareness and goodwill by taking the time to talk to local communities and schools about the House during their journey.”

Education was a key component of the SA Ride for Sick Kids with community events and school visits held in Port Lincoln, Cleve, Port Pirie, Wallaroo, Barossa Valley and Adelaide.

All the families and children staying at the House are from regional areas, so local families supported by the House were invited to the events to share a little of their experience.

Ronald McDonald House Adelaide supports families whose children are receiving treatment for serious illnesses at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Staying at the House reduces the stress and financial burden for families travelling to Adelaide with their children for treatment and gives them immediate access to a support network.

The House relies on community support and fundraising in order to provide accommodation and support services to hundreds of families every year.

Plans are now underway for a second fundraising ride in 2013 and details will be announced early next year.

For more information on the SA Ride for Sick Kids or to register your interest for the 2013 ride visit www.sarideforsickkids.com.au

For further information, please contact:
Simon Hatcher
Hughes Public Relations
Telephone – 08 8412 4100
Email – simon@hughespr.com.au