By Kath Gannaway
More than 130 cyclists set off from the RACV Club in Healesville on Friday morning (17 November), riding through the Yarra Valley to raise funds to tackle youth homelessness.
The 2017 Property Industry Foundation (PIF) ride made its way on 50-kilometre and 75-kilometre routes through the Valley with a goal of raising $80,000.
Dutch Tour de France rider Koen de Kort, and PIF Ambassador led the ride and said he was happy to be able to support the event and the cause.
De Kort lives in Melbourne off-season but said in the Netherlands, as in Australia, youth homelessness was an issue.
Other than pro-riding, de Kort said his passion was bringing awareness to the issue of youth homelessness in Australia.
“When thinking about young people who are homeless, often “street kids” and “runaways” are the terms used, but this is not the reality,” he said.
“Most young people experiencing homelessness are hidden from view and aren’t homeless by choice, so, along with PIF and the other riders, I’m determined to raise awareness for these young people and help to give them a way out of their situation and into a new future.”
The funds will be distributed to beneficiary charities, Chatterbox Bus and PIF Housing Program with industry members of PIF constructing the homes.
Over the last five years PIF has invested $6.5m into vital programs.
Each rider raises funds themselves and companies/sponsors donate. Donate at https://pifviccycling2017.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
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