Residential housing company, Lifestyle Communities, has raised more than $150,000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation at its annual ‘Tour de Lifestyle’ fundraising event.
The initiative was launched by an inspiring Lifestyle Deanside homeowner, Paul Walton, and has the support of homeowners across 20 Lifestyle Communities and sponsorship partners.
Lifestyle Communities also matched all donations made by homeowners, staff and sponsorship partners, dollar for dollar.
Building on the success of last year’s tour, this year there was a broader focus on fostering inclusion and encouraging greater participation across each of the Lifestyle Communities, with the introduction of a ‘Walk, Talk, Ride’ theme.
The tour began at Lifestyle Shepparton, stopping at 20 Lifestyle Communities along the way before concluding at Lifestyle Deanside, the home of the tours lead rider, Mr. Walton.
The 600 kilometre journey was complimented by community walks, inspiring talks and fundraising events planned around his arrival at each community.
As a former member of the Victorian Ambulance Service, Tasmanian Ambulance Service and Melbourne Fire Brigade, Mr. Walton said some of the situations he witnessed and was involved in were difficult and sometimes broke his heart.
“Especially the jobs I did where children were involved,” he said.
“Last year, I received a panic call from my son telling me that his daughter, my granddaughter, was suffering a seizure, and an ambulance was not available for an hour.
“Fortunately, I only live ten minutes away and was able to respond and transport my granddaughter and son to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“The initial treatment and follow-up treatment were excellent. All Victorians should feel very fortunate to have such an incredible medical system, especially for the kids.
“I have spent a considerable amount of time in the children’s hospital with patients (the kids), and their parents, sometimes spending longer than I should have talking with the parents and being a shoulder to cry on.
“Young children who are suffering from cancer or any illness, they’re at the start of their lives, so if I can help with a bit of Lifestyle Communities’ support to give those young kids a bit of a leg up, why not.”
Lifestyle Communities founder and managing director James Kelly said the business is delighted to be able to support extraordinary homeowners like Mr. Walton in their efforts to make a difference to a greater cause.
“We are incredibly proud to have homeowners like Paul willing to take on an enormous effort in the spirit of helping others,” Mr Kelly said.
“The amount of community spirit from homeowners across the Lifestyle Communities Paul has been visiting on this ride is terrific to witness.
“Many have joined Paul for a leg of the ride and of course generously donated and it’s our absolute pleasure to match the donations on behalf of the business.”
The tour concluded on Thursday, March 28, with a final five-kilometre ride between Lifestyle Woodlea and Lifestyle Deanside.
