Victoria, 28 February 2023: This March, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) VIC & TAS will host its first-ever Spin Challenge to mark its 13th annual Ride for Sick Kids (RFSK) fundraising event, raising vital funds for seriously ill and injured children and their families.

On 18 March, teams of up to 10 riders will cycle on stationary bikes across 10 hours with the aim to raise 313 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House (equivalent to $50,000).

In addition, RMHC VIC & TAS will also see 31 riders compete in a Road Race the day before, on 17 March. Participants will ride either 60km or 100km across Melbourne, with the aim of raising 156 nights of accommodation at a Ronald McDonald House (equivalent to $25,000).

RMHC is calling on Victorians and Tasmanians to support the Spin Challenge and Road Race by participating or donating, with all funds raised going directly to Ronald McDonald Houses in Victoria and Tasmania.

Peter Bishop, CEO for RMHC VIC & TAS, said, “Ride for Sick Kids has been an integral part of our fundraising efforts over the last 13 years, and we are delighted to be introducing our inaugural Spin Challenge this year.

“We are calling on all Victorians and Tasmanians to support the fundraiser by taking part in the Spin Challenge or Road Race, or by making a donation online.

“Now is the perfect time for locals to take on a new challenge and help us pedal our way to our fundraising target so we can continue to support seriously ill or injured children and their families.”

Over the past 12 years, riders have raised more than $3 million for RMHC in Victoria and Tasmania through RFSK, clocking over 5,432km on their bikes and raising enough funds for 20,340 nights of accommodation for families.

For more information, to participate in the fundraiser or to donate, please visit: https://www.rmhcvictas.org.au/event/rfsk2023/rfsk-home-page

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About Ronald McDonald House Charities:

Ronald McDonald House Charities Victoria & Tasmania (RMHC VIC & TAS) is a registered charity that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families.

Through the Victorian and Tasmanian network of four Ronald McDonald Houses (Hobart, Monash, North Fitzroy and Parkville), four Ronald McDonald Family Rooms (Monash, Northern, Sunshine and Wodonga), and Ronald McDonald Learning Program, RMHC VIC & TAS helps families with sick children stay together, and close to the medical care their child needs. RMHC VIC & TAS programs not only provide access to quality health care, they enable family-centered care ensuring families are fully supported and actively involved in their children’s care. For more information, visit rmhc.org.au/victas