After raising a whopping $23,000 earlier this year, the team behind the Eastern 80 Charity Bike Ride and Walk are searching for a new ambassador as it gears up for another big event.
On Saturday 15 February the Eastern 80 Charity Bike Ride and Walk took place for its 10th year raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal, which funds the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Some Eastern 80 events throughout the years have had ambassadors, consisting of local families who have had children who have been helped or were currently being helped by the Royal Children’s Hospital as well as those who have grown up years after receiving important care from the hospital.
Mr Orr said he was overwhelmed as the ride has raised $115,000 since its inception.
“It’s fantastic. We were overwhelmed by the support we got and our money was pretty much raised from the riders.
“We’re really appreciative of the support of the families that come because there’s there’s people that have been on every ride and we’re just stoked to be able to raise that much money,” Mr Orr said.
Next year’s Eastern 80 will take place in February and it’s set to bring back some old features while incorporating new elements, such as the Warburton Bike Park.
“This year one of our local bike shops is going to line up some mountain bike riders so we can have a mountain bike section,” Mr Orr said.
“So that is new, we’re hoping they’ll sign up with us just to help us raise another good total.”
Entrants to the bike ride pay $100 which goes towards the fundraiser, but Mr Orr said there were payment plans in place for those who can’t afford the fee upfront.
“If say for argument’s sake somebody hasn’t got the $100, if they can get five members of their family to give them $20, I can write out the tax receipt for them.
“So that shares the burden,” Mr Orr said.
The last event also saw the Alpine Hotel share half of its venue to the Eastern 80 for an after ride function.
There was live music, games and face painting for the kids, lunch, a silent auction, a raffle and a five-hour Happy Hour from 12pm to 5pm for the riders, walkers and event supporters.
Casey MP Aaron Violi in February said it was an honour to open the 10th Eastern 80 Charity Bike Ride.
“Congratulations to Norm and the team who announced at the starting line that they have raised over $100,000 for the Good Friday Appeal,” he said.
