The Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW Ride for Sick Kids has a different look in 2020 but the importance of raising funds for sick and injured children remains the same.
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Cyclists would normally ride from Grafton to Newcastle in five days but the COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to those plans.
Five individual treks will now be held in Newcastle, Central Coast, Muswellbrook/Scone, Maitland and Taree/Forster between September 7 and 11.
Taree's Ivor Thomas is taking part for the third year in a row. With the crippling financial effects of the pandemic in mind, funds are needed more than ever.
"At a time when a lot of businesses and families are doing it tough financially, it also has a big impact on the charity," Ivor said.
"Only 20 per cent of the funding comes from McDonalds, the rest of it is from community and corporate sponsorship.
"We really need to still raise the money and unfortunately kids are still getting sick and injured.
"The programs that Ronald McDonald House Charities run can't happen without that support as well. Now, if anything, it is more important that we raise the money."
Now in its 16th year, it's hoped $100,000 will be raised from the ride.
On September 11, the group will finish the ride with a trip from Club Taree to the Ronald McDonald House family retreat at Forster and back.
The positive impacts the charity has on sick and injured children and their families inspires Ivor to participate in the ride.
Now, if anything, it is more important that we raise the money.
- Ivor Thomas, Ride for Sick Kids cyclist
"The more I get involved with the charity, the more time I spend with families who have been impacted with childhood illness or trauma," Ivor said.
"You realise how important the facility and programs at Ronald McDonald House Charities are to our area and region.
"It's something you never want to need but some families are going to need it. I've met some amazing families across the rides and their stories would just break your heart.
"No one expects to be there but to have that place people can go to where everything is taken care of is amazing."
A handy cyclist in his own right, Ivor said the ride is traditionally "equal parts riding and mucking about".
"The bike is just the apparatus but when you get a group of people who are there for the same reasons, you put those people together and have fun," Ivor said.
"It's great fun but we won't be able to do the socialising this year- normally after a long day we get to stop off at a pub but we won't be doing that.
"It'll bring a different dynamic all together."
To make a donation, visit fundraise.rmhc.org.au/event/ride-for-sick-kids-nth-nsw/home.
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