Yes, a staggering $142,000 worth of smiles as the Sunshine Ride Committee released their final fundraising tally. This is an increase of $29,000 from the 2023 final ride tally and we couldn’t be more thrilled and proud to partner with Steve Ballard and his Sunshine Ride Committee.  

Michelle Hensel, Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund Board Chair, tells us that “They continue to raise the bar!” The work that Steve and his Committee continue to do astounds the Trust Fund on a yearly basis and is testament to what can happen when a community gets behind “The man who continues to never take no for an answer” Michelle said.  

The Sunshine Ride, is now in its 4th year, and Michelle Hensel, Trust Fund Board Chair Board Chair, tells us   

“This family understands the importance of the local cancer centre and continue to give back to the community. I admire their tenacity, effort and enthusiasm and their ability to engage our community is nothing short of amazing”.  

The 2024 Top fundraising Individual award winner, Mick Alexander was as at the gym for 20 hours either riding or encouraging his team members and others to keep pedalling! Mick explains that every year, he, and his team have “A bit of a competition with another team. Both teams try to beat what they raised last year, as well as beat each other in the final fundraising tally”.  

Mick tell us that “Every year you see the teams trying to do better, to raise more money and increase the number of teams participating”. This year Mick raised an incredible $15,170! 

The 2024 Top Fundraising Team Award was awarded to Adrenaline Boxing and Conditioning Gym with a total fundraising amount of $23,793. Steve Smith from Adrenaline explains that this is possible because Adrenaline is very much a community gym, “Everyone at the gym is involved in the Sunshine Ride in some way” Steve said.  

Steve goes on to tell us that the Sunshine Ride is a successful event “Because everyone jumps in to support the event. The event brings in new people into the gym and we warmly welcome them to the Adrenaline Family”.  

Steve explains that the success of the Sunshine Ride is due to the hard-working committee. Steve tells us that “The committee are a small group of likeminded people who manage to fit in the event as well as running their own lives. We don’t stress, we just want to have fun” Steve said.  

According to other committee members, this is very true. And if they find themselves worrying about something, Steve reminds them ”Don’t worry, it will happen”. 

When asked what Steve would like us all to remember, Steve tells us that “100% of the money raised stays here”.  

Steve also encourages us to follow the Sunshine Ride on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the planning for the 2025 event. Apparently there are some big changes coming!   

 

 If you would like to donate to the Trust Fund, please Click here.