THE organisers of the most successful Mill2Mill Charity Bike Ride to date presented the major beneficiary of this year’s ride, the McGrath Foundation, with a cheque for $54,055.72 in Sydney yesterday (Thursday).
Organiser Pete Mac Smith was one of 43 cyclists who completed the 630 kilometre ride from the Manildra Plant in Bomaderry to the Manildra Flour Mill in Manildra in March.
He was joined by representatives of the major sponsors, KFC and the Manildra Group, to hand over the money to the McGrath Foundation president and co-founder Glenn McGrath.
Mr Mac Smith said riders dedicated months of gruelling training prior to the event.
The event raised $114,500 to be split between two major charities, as well as regional schools and community organisations.
“The donation brings to more than $120,000 dollars the amount of money the Mill2Mill has raised for the McGrath Foundation over the course of the three rides," he said.
“We’re honoured to be in a position to donate these funds.
"We’ll also present a $37,000 cheque to beyondblue in Manildra next month, along with $16,000 to be shared between Manildra schools, a pre-school and four Manildra community groups."
That’s in addition to the $5,000 donated to small schools stopped at along the route, in villages including Windellama, Bribbaree and Caragabal.
Planning for the 2016 ride has already started.