Raising funds for country kids

More than 100 keen cyclists took part in this year’s Ride for Country Kids, Royal Far West’s premier fundraising event, held on 12-14 March.

The Ride raised funds to support a greater number of country kids with complex developmental and health needs. Royal Far West’s Paediatric Developmental Program and Telecare for Kids fill a critical gap for rural and remote families and communities that do not have access to the services they desperately require.

Rural and remote communities are vital to the strength and wellbeing of our country, yet many children living in these areas suffer from serious and disproportionate disadvantage compared with children living in city areas, and the number of children needing our support is increasing year by year.

Royal Far West’s unique, integrated health, education and disability service model focuses on the whole child, their family and community, and we support children and families with a broad range of developmental and behavioural concerns. To help even more children, last year we decided to broaden our reach right across Australia, as we believe that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential.

This year’s Ride started in Wagga Wagga on Sunday 12 March, and culminated with a fundraising dinner in Orange on Tuesday 14 March. The route took cyclists through Gundagai, Cootamundra, Young, Grenfell, Cowra, Canowindra and Cudal, with scheduled stops at schools and community groups.

Ambassadors Tour de France commentator Mike Tomalaris and tennis legend Wally Masur joined the teams of cyclists as they traversed the often grueling 420 kilometre route. Highlights for the riders included meet-and-greets with local children, thanking local supporters, and chatting with families, who often spoke of Royal Far West’s important impact on their child, their family and their community.

For more information on Royal Far West, head to: www.royalfarwest.org.au