This September, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Northern New South Wales will launch its 17th annual Ride for Sick Kids (RFSK) event, to raise vital funds for seriously ill and injured children and their families.
RMHC Northern NSW is calling on locals and businesses to dust off their bikes and sign up to be a part of this year’s virtual Ride for Sick Kids, cycling in the comfort of their own home or local bike riding track, throughout the month of September.
River and his dad, Dave spent over 270 nights at the Ronald McDonald House after tumours were discovered in the little 7 year old’s body.
“Without the Ronald McDonald House we would have had to sell our family home to afford accommodation. It’s been a god send, it really has – I don’t know what I would have done without the place,” Dave said.
Like many families who travel from regional areas to seek urgent medical treatment for their children, River and Dave now have a home away from home to return to when treatment continues, thanks to RMHC and the vital funds that are raised by the community to support its services.
CEO for RMHC Northern NSW, Ross Bingham said it’s great to bring back Ride for Sick Kids in 2021 and celebrate 17 years of the event, even in isolation.
“Following another tough year due to the ongoing pandemic, we’re thrilled to be bringing back one of our biggest and best fundraisers for 2021, during the charity’s 30th anniversary year,” Ross said.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of the community over the past 30 years, we’ve provided much needed support to over 81,000 families from across Northern NSW.
“We’re now calling on our wonderful communities to help us continue supporting families in need, by signing up for our virtual ride or by picking up a $2 Helping Bike at your local McDonald’s restaurant.”
Managing Director of Newcastle and Hunter Community Health, Alison McQueen said their business is thrilled to once again be involved in the Ride For Sick Kids event, both as a sponsor and fundraiser. They are encouraging other businesses to get involved as well.
“Ronald McDonald House do incredible work in the community, which is something we value greatly as a local health care provider. In the current climate we live in, it’s more important than ever to support others where possible and we encourage others to get involved,” Alison said.
“We are proud to be on board in 2021 as a sponsor and to also be fundraising to help sick kids and their families. Plus, getting in some exercise while in lockdown will do us all some good” she concluded.
This year’s Ride for Sick Kids fundraiser aims to raise $200,000, or 1,418 nights of accommodation, so families can be near their seriously ill child in hospital.
More information about participation and donations can be found via the Ride for Sick Kids Northern NSW 2021 website.
IMAGE | River and his dad, Dave encourage people to participate and fundraise for sick kids and their families this September.
