Hawaiian Ride for Youth
Click here to visit the Hawaiian Ride for Youth Website
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth began in 2003 when a small group of social bike riders from the Perth business community decided to combine their resources and raise funds for Youth Focus and assist in the prevention of youth suicide, depression and self-harm. Knowing that each and every teenage suicide affects hundreds of people, families, friends and neighbours, the riders felt this issue was a concern the whole community needed to address.
The riders participating were and still are mostly social bike riders from the business community in Perth who ride to keep fit. Generally, they are professional business people, most of them parents, who care about the ever increasing issues in their society.
The prime objectives of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are:
- to raise funds for Youth Focus
- to raise awareness of the issues concerning youth suicide, depression and self-harm
- to raise awareness of the services provided by Youth Focus
Although the Ride provides opportunity for personal growth and achievement, particularly for persons who do not come from a cycling background, the main objective of the Ride will always remain a charitable one.
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth 2011 riders present the final cheque to Youth CEO Jenny Allen and Youth Focus Chairman Geoff Rasmussen
The Ride
The 2012 Hawaiian Ride for Youth will be held from 27th March – 31st March 2012
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is held annually during March/April each year. The Ride is held over 5 days and travels from Albany to Perth covering approximately 700km. Traditionally the cyclists ride through the regional towns of Denmark, Walpole, Pemberton, Busselton and Bunbury; with a second Peloton this year travelling from Albany through Frankland River, Bridgetown and Collie, with both pelotons meeting up in Mandurah before finishing together in Perth
The 2012 Ride will consist of 88 riders in 22 teams of four, plus a number of reserve riders. All riders participate in a strenuous six month training program under the guidance of leading Coach, Peter Trench from Trench Health & Fitness. The training schedule is designed to test the rider’s strength and endurance and ensure they are fit and ready for an adventure of a life time. On their journey the riders stop at a number of schools to engage the students in the issues of youth suicide, depression and self harm and the services that Youth Focus provides. The riders also share their personal stories and experiences as many have been touched in some way by these very personal issues. The school visits are usually a highlight of the Ride.
- The Peleton
Fundraising
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is Youth Focus’ largest fundraising event. Since its inception in 2003 the Ride has raised almost $5 million for Youth Focus (see table below). In 2009 the Ride for Youth won the Special Events’ category of the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s (FIA) National Awards for Excellence in Fundraising.
|
YEAR
|
NUMBER OF RIDERS | FUNDRAISING TOTAL |
| 2003 | 24 | $150,000 |
| 2004 | 29 | $309,000 |
| 2005 | 38 | $350,000 |
| 2006 | 40 | $515,000 |
| 2007 | 40 | $560,000 |
| 2008 | 40 | $665,000 |
| 2009 | 36 | $458,000 |
| 2010 | 44 | $797,000 |
| 2011 | 50 | $941,500 |
| TOTAL FUNDRAISING | $4,745,500 | |
The fundraising target for the 2012 ride is $1.25 million
Raising awareness within the community
The awareness raised for Youth Focus from the Hawaiian Ride for Youth is equally as important as the funds raised. Aside from engaging their personal and business networks for support the Riders also participate in many individual fundraising initiatives in the lead up to the Ride.
On their journey the riders stop at a number of schools to engage the students in the issues of youth suicide, depression and self harm and the services that Youth Focus provides. The riders also share their personal stories and experiences as many have been touched in some way by these very personal issues. The school visits are always a highlight of the Ride.
To find out more about this fantastic event or to support a Rider please click here.
