Cycle Challenge Makes A Wheely Generous Donation

Cycle Challenge Makes A Wheely Generous Donation

1 December 2009

QUEENSLAND charities, the Heart Foundation and Diabetes Australia Queensland,
will receive two very healthy cheques from Bicycle Queensland today.

The donation, which totals $210,163.68, was raised by the 10,000 people who participated in this year's Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge.

The charities both work tirelessly to save lives and improve the health of
Queenslanders.

Cameron Prout, CEO of the Heart Foundation in Queensland, said: "On behalf of the Heart Foundation and Diabetes Australia Queensland, I would like to extend my warm and sincere thanks to the thousands of participants as well as Bicycle Queensland for raising these much needed funds."

The Heart Foundation will use the funds to support a new Queensland-based research project for two years, and Diabetes Australia Queensland will use the funds for a new community awareness program "Speak Out", which is designed to improve awareness and knowledge of type 2 diabetes.

Founded and organised by Bicycle Queensland, the Wilson HTM Brisbane to the Gold Coast Cycle Challenge aims to increase awareness and participation in cycling while raising valuable funds for charity.

Manager of Bicycle Queensland, Ben Wilson, said the event attracted 25 per cent more cyclists this year.

"We founded the Cycle Challenge in 2005 and, since then, it's become a major event on South East Queensland's calendar," Ben said.

"Coordinating an event of this size and length can be challenging, but we're fortunate to have the support of the Queensland Police Service, TransLink, Logan City Council, Gold Coast City Council and other event partners.

"We're truly delighted that our hard work has resulted in such a generous donation to both the Heart Foundation and Diabetes Australia Queensland."

For further information, images or interviews please contact:
Jess L'Estrange, P4: (07) 3854 1455 / [email protected]
Julie Byth, P4: (07) 3854 1455 / [email protected]

SOURCE: Bicycle Queensland