WERRIBEE’S Adrian Cloonan has always admired the work Reclink does for disadvantaged people in the community.
So when he heard the charitable organisation had lost $135,000 in VicHealth funding, he decided to help make up the shortfall.
Following the lead of Reclink national development manager Peter Cullen, whose fund-raising efforts last year led to him running a marathon, Mr Cloonan organised a concert at his home, and raised $1300.
But he wanted to do more to help Reclink, so he asked friends to join him in a fund-raising bicycle ride.
Dubbed Ride for Reclink the event takes place along the Federation and Werribee River trails on May 27.
Mr Cloonan, a former youth worker, says the ride is an ideal way for people to do their bit to help.
Money raised will go towards helping Reclink run its annual leadership camp, which was cut after it lost the VicHealth funding.
Reclink advocates for, and improves access to, sporting and recreational opportunities for disadvantaged people around the country.
In Wyndham, it supports the Wynbay Power football team.
Mr Cullen said the organisation was excited by the support it had received from the community.
“It’s exciting for us as an organisation to think the community wants to take things further and support us.
“We had to find this support, not because we wanted to grow, but we’d expanded so much.”
The ride starts at the Heathdale and Neighbourhood Community Shed in Kookaburra Avenue, Werribee, at 10am.
There is a 20-kilometre course for experienced riders and a 10-kilometre course for families. Entry is $20. Details: 0419354057.
