Lennox Head's Boaty Boys to Paddle From Lismore to Ballina for Charity

The Boaty Boys, a men's health and fitness group from Lennox Head, are gearing up for their latest charity event. From Wednesday, 3 May to Friday, 5 May, the group will embark on The Shaking Hands Tour, a 100km paddle down the Wilsons/Richmond River, starting from Lismore and ending at Ballina.

Carlo Maestri and Taama Jones, two of the coordinators of the Shaking Hands Tour, have played crucial roles in the organisation of this event.

“We're really looking forward to the Shaking Hands Tour. It's a great opportunity for us to do something meaningful and make a real difference,” Maestri said.

“Last year we completed a 48 hour running challenge for charity, so this year we thought we would take our fundraising efforts to the water. The paddle will raise money for The Healthy Minds Club, Parkinson's Disease research, Our Kids Lismore and Revive the Northern Rivers, all charities close to our hearts,” he said. The Boaty Boys are training hard for the paddle, spending hours on the water each week to build up their endurance. They are looking forward to the challenge, knowing that it will be tough but rewarding.

“The boys are putting in a solid effort to prepare for the paddle. Many of them have had little experience with long paddles, but seeing how committed and dedicated everyone is to the cause is truly inspiring,” Jones said.

The group has received incredible support from various local businesses and organisations. The Rotary Club of Ballina, Elders Lennox Head, Lennox Pizza, Club Lennox, The Station Grocer, The Ball and All Podcast, and Yulli's Brew have all come together to help the Boaty Boys raise funds for their chosen charities.

Jones expressed his gratitude towards the sponsors, saying, "Without their support, we couldn't have pulled this off. It's amazing to see so many people coming together to back us up on this journey." If you'd like to support this worthy cause, you can make a direct transfer to the Rotary

Club Ballina on Richmond's account: Rotary Club Ballina on Richmond BSB: 722 744 Acc: 100129705

Reference: Boaty Boys

Alternatively, you can show your support by purchasing a supporter ticket from the Shaking Hands Tour Eventbrite page at www.eventbrite. com.au/e/619547783097. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will be donated directly to the supported charities. The Shaking Hands Tour will commence at 7am on Wednesday, 3 May, from the Lismore Rowing Club. Community members are encouraged to come along and cheer the Boaty Boys on as they start their journey.