By Esther Lauaki
Tarneit man Les Porter’s tricycle has clocked up more kilometres than one can handle.
This year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Wyndham 1000 event, in which Mr Porter cycles hundreds of kilometres to raise funds for the Salvation Army.
Mr Porter, a Salvation Army soldier, sets off on his annual journey on Saturday, October 19 starting from Pacific Werribee. Six local schools, Rotary Club of Wyndham members, residents and Salvation Army members will join him for stints along the way.
“This year is a special one because it’s the 10th journey I’ve made consecutively,” Mr Porter said.
“This was only ever started as a one-off event.
“In that year [2009], there were many government cutbacks to community groups like the Salvation Army, and at Christmas it got to the stage where the Salvos were going to be short of food to give to families in need. That’s why I started.
“It’s been an enjoyment, not a task … It’s become a community event.”
The ride will take him on several big loops alongside the Werribee River from Hogans Road through to the Princes Freeway and along the Federation Trail.
Mr Porter said he would cycle 500 kilometres around Wyndham during his fundraising efforts, and that members from the Rotary Club of Wyndham – which sponsors his tricycle every year – would ride an additional 500 kilometres.
He said he would aim to complete about 40 kilometres per day over four weeks.
“My abilities have diminished since 10 years ago,” Mr Porter said.
“We’ve raised $135,000 dollars [since starting]. We’re aiming to top that up to $150,000 after this year’s ride,” he said.
“What a wonderful community we have.”
The Salvation Army and Rotary club also run a canned food drive as part of the Wyndham1000 event with 14,000 cans of food donated in the past four years.
“All that money and food stays in the Wyndham community,” Mr Porter said.
Donate to the Wyndham 1000 at the Salvation Army, 211 Watton Street, Werribee; or to Mr Porter as he rides around
Wyndham.
Details: facebook.com/Wyndham1000/
