A group of young people from Ballarat Seventh-day Adventist Church (Vic) recently raised $A3000 to donate to a local charity.
Members of the Ballarat Pathfinder Club rode 220km in two days, from Ballarat to Echuca, to raise money for SoupBus, which provides an after dark meal service to Ballarat’s homeless and less fortunate.
‘‘SoupBus was chosen as the recipient of the money as the Pathfinders wanted to see the impact of their donation on something big in the community,’’ said Pathfinder director Sheralyn van Egmond.
She also praised the members, who range in age from 11 to 17, for completing their goal.
‘‘Everyone handled the ride really well, even the big hills,’’ she said. “The trip took two days to complete. Most of the Pathfinders did a fair 50-80 kms each. They travelled from Ballarat to Bendigo on the first day and from Bendigo to Echuca on the second day.”
The ride took place last year in September, where the group raised close to $1000. But a crowdfunding site allowed about 60 people to further contribute to their cause, bringing the total funds raised to $3000.
‘‘This ride was about helping out the less fortunate but also teaching the kids it’s not just about us and putting in for others,’’ said deputy director Peter Debicki.
The group spent the night in town, enjoying a cool swim at the Echuca pool, before heading home the next day.
