As part of the annual Ride for Sick Kids Spin Challenge

3 February 2025: This week, the Melburnian community will be throwing its support behind 300 locals cycling more than 10,000km to raise vital funds for seriously ill or injured children and their families.

On Saturday, 8 February at St. Kilda Sea Baths Rooftop, teams of up to 10 riders will jump on the saddle and pedal with a purpose, as part of the annual Ride for Sick Kids, hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS).

The teams will cycle on stationary bikes for 10 continuous hours, with the aim of raising enough funds to cover 1,250 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House (equivalent to $200,000).

Peter Bishop, CEO for RMHC VIC & TAS said: “We are grateful for the support we continue to receive from the local community, raising vital funds to assist families in need so they can focus on what matters most, caring for their sick kids.

“Taking the form of a Spin Challenge for the third time, this year is set to be one of our biggest yet with the most spinners ever, as well as games, prizes and entertainment adding to the fun on the day.

“To show your support, you can come down and join us in cheering on the teams or make an online donation – every contribution helps make a real difference, because we couldn’t do this without you, our generous community.”

Over the last 14 years, Ride for Sick Kids participants have helped raise more than $3.7 million for RMHC in Victoria and Tasmania - enough funds for 23,000 nights of accommodation, providing a ‘home away from home’ for local families of seriously ill and injured children being treated at hospitals that are often a long way from their homes.

All funds raised through Ride for Sick Kids will go directly to RMHC VIC & TAS, to help the charity continue to provide a range of Programs to support families with seriously ill or injured children and their families.

For more information, to participate or donate, visit: victasfundraising.rmhc.org.au/event/spin-challenge-rfsk-2025/home

ENDS

Ride for Sick Kids event details:

RMHC VIC & TAS Ride for Sick Kids 2025 will take place on Saturday, 8 February from 8:00am – 6:00pm at St. Kilda Sea Baths Rooftop, Melbourne.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities VIC & TAS:

The cornerstone Program of RMHC, the Ronald McDonald House, provides families a place to stay so they can be together and near the hospital where their child is receiving treatment. Staying at a House keeps families together and allows parents and siblings to focus on supporting their sick loved ones. RMHC currently has 19 Houses throughout Australia, accommodating more than 10,800 families in 2023.

RMHC VIC & TAS has four Ronald McDonald Houses (Hobart, Monash, North Fitzroy and Parkville), three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (Monash, Sunshine and Wodonga), and a Ronald McDonald Learning Program. These programs provide much-needed respite for parents caring for a seriously ill child and a friendly place where families can spend quality time together.

More information on RMHC VIC & TAS, please visit rmhcvictas.org.au.