The Virgin Australia 1,000 K’s 4 Kids bike challenge, which took place earlier in the month, has raised $360,000 for children’s cancer charity Camp Quality ‚Äì which will assist them to support 143 families who have a child living with cancer for the next year.
From 4–13 September 2015, 34 cyclists, 25 support crew and two wacky puppets embarked on a 1,000 kilometre journey from Dreamworld on the Gold Coast to Newcastle, raising funds and awareness to create a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia.
Local businesswoman and peoplefusion Director, Ali Kimmorley, said that this was her third year undertaking the cycling challenge.
“My involvement with the Camp Quality 1,000 K’s 4 Kids came about following the loss of my nephew Harry to brain cancer 8 years ago,” Ali said. “Since then I have been involved with fundraising for Camp Quality as I truly believe the support they provide and role they play to kids living with cancer is so important.”
“The friendships we build amongst the group is unbelievable and living 24 hours for 10 days with like minded, positive people has such as enormous positive impact on me. We still find time for plenty of fun even though there are days of us being on the bike for 8-9 hours.”
The epic biking challenge started at Dreamworld on Friday, 4 September 2015 and passed through the towns of Beaudesert, Woodenbong, Casino, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Bingara, Manilla, Quirindi, Muswellbrook and finished at the Newcastle Camp Quality Office on Sunday, 13 September 2015.
Virgin Australia came on board this year as the Naming Rights Sponsor and Hunter-based Ekert Constructions as the Gold Sponsor.
Other local supporting businesses included:
- Computer Systems Australia
- Lateral Financial Services
- Peters Real Estate
- Bank of Queensland Hamilton
- Jayco Newcastle
- WearX
- Marmong Point Marina
- Aurizon
Donna George, Camp Quality Event Manager, said that it was a fantastic result from a remarkable group of people who fundraised tirelessly all year for the intense challenge.
“We smashed our target of $300,000 even though we had several riders drop out of the event due to illness or work commitments,” Donna said. “On behalf of the 143 families, who have a child living with cancer and this money will assist us to support for the next year of Camp Quality’s resilience-building support, a huge thank you.
