The Central South Island Charity Bike Ride was started in 2005 with the aim of raising funds for local charities. We have held a ride annually since then raising
a total of $573,000 for our nominated charities.
Our Key Objectives are:
- To raise money for small local charities/groups
- To motivate people to participate & increase personal health and fitness
- To raise awareness of the existence of local support and service groups
- To bring about attitudinal changes in relation to people with disabilities
The inaugural event saw 56 riders raise $27,000 for Epilepsy South Canterbury.
The ride went from strength to strength with 95 riders raising $58,000 for Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in 2006; in 2007 136 riders raised $104,000 for Epilepsy, Heart Children, Diabetes and SC Women’s Wellness. In 2008, 162 riders and 32 support persons raised $125,000 for Epilepsy, SC Hospice, Parent to Parent, Heart Children SC, Seabrook McKenzie Trust and Charge Syndrome Association.
In 2009, despite the recession, 165 riders and 30 support persons have $120,000 for South Canterbury Hospice Inc, Aoraki Community Care Trust, Arthritis NZ – South Canterbury, South Canterbury Neighbourhood Support, The Order of St John Northern Region South Island Trust, Parent to Parent, Lysosomal Diseases NZ and Epilepsy South Canterbury
In 2010 a similar number raised $136,000 for Hospice SC, Arthritis SC, Asthma SC, Speld, Timaru Senior Citizens, Upper Waitaki RSA, Ostomy Society Inc and Cystic Fibrosis.
The event is successful due to the combined commitment of a small committee; riders who not only have to train but raise a minimum amount for the charities; the drivers and support persons and the generosity of the local community and the sponsors, both local and further afield.
The primary source of funding for the running of the event is a contribution from Trust Aoraki, Fulton Hogan, Port FM, The Timaru Herald & Computor Solutions, along with entry fees, local individual and business donations and many, many hours of voluntary labour, support and planning to supplement this.
As the Organizers, we would like to personally thank every individual, group and business who have contributed in some way to make the ride the success it is.
We encourage all associated with the event to support the sponsors who have supported the event – thank you.
Phil, Sharyn & Morrell