PEDALLING FOR A PURPOSE: FDC’S WESTPAC RIDE RIDES THROUGH NORTH-WEST NSW

FDC is recently to hit the road on their 2023 charity bike ride, The Westpac Ride to Give Charity Bike Ride on 2nd-4th April, with cyclists embarking on a loop through the New England region. With an initial goal of raising $275,000 the raised well in excess of this target, reaching $459,000.

The ride saw over 55 cyclists travel a 485km loop over three days through Armidale, Tamworth, and Bingara, with funds raised going to support charities including BackTrack Youth Works and The Tie Dye Project.

Since 2014, the charity bike ride has raised more than $3million for charity. The event was the work of leading construction firm FDC, who have co-created and delivered the ride as a key part of their annual Giving Program.

This year, FDC brought the charity ride in-house to give back to a wide range of causes and ensure as many grassroots and regional charities are supported every year, which this year focused on youth outcomes and cancer research.

BackTrack Youth Works is a locally based youth program in Armidale, that offers holistic and flexible support to young people having a difficult time, in developing healthy foundations and positive life pathways. BackTrack offers individualised care to each young person and provides learning, training, work experience and employment opportunities to assist them on their journey to independence.

Through Ride to Give, The Tie Dye Project is raising money on behalf of the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation, with funds raised going towards clinical research into sarcoma cancer. FDC is incredibly proud to be supporting these charities as they continue to a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians.

In addition to these recipients, FDC has connected with several local legends that are passionate about local causes in their communities, including schools, community groups, and indigenous centres. As the cyclist’s ride through these communities, they will stop off to deliver much needed support totalling over $10,000 to these great causes. With support from Westpac and fantastic efforts from the Ride to Give team of cyclists, FDC has previousl raised $350,000 to support BackTrack, The Tie Dye Project and community groups across New England.

Ben Cottle, FDC Managing Director said: “The team at FDC are honoured to be supporting BackTrack Youth Works, The Tie Dye Foundation as well as some incredible community groups and organisations through this year’s Ride to Give.”

“At FDC, we are committed to giving back to the community and working hard to build a better future. It’s great to see so many people get behind such incredible causes, without our incredible team of cyclists and volunteers this wouldn’t be possible. I would like to extend my thanks to all involved in making 2023 Westpac Ride to Give Charity ride such a success.”

Pat Cunningham, Westpac Head of Sponsorship and Community Activations: “We know grassroots programs are crucial in improving outcomes for people in regional communities. We are proud to be supporting FDC’s Ride to Give this year, providing financial support to local programs like BackTrack Youth Track and funding critical cancer research through The Tie Dye Foundation.”

Bernie Shakeshaft, BackTrack Founder said: “Each year we support many vulnerable young people in the Armidale community on their journey to independence. This funding will assist BackTrack to deliver a number of program’s to improve outcomes for the region’s youth.”

Amy Parmenter, The Tie Dye Project Founder said:“We are incredibly proud to be supporting the Cooper Rice-Brading foundation in raising money for critical sarcoma research. This is a cause very close to our hearts and the support we have received from FDC Ride to Give will help us continue our fight against sarcoma.”

-Submitted by Sharon Edwards