Anita Heathcote

THANK YOU!

I wanted to do something special to honour the most inspiring man Ive ever met ‘Father Chris Riley’ who in 2021 celebrates a significant achievement, 30 years of ensuring young people at Youth Off The Streets have the support and opportunities they need to be defined by their ‘potential’ NOT their circumstances. A vision which deeply resonates with me.

The 30 For 30 Challenge https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https://fundraise.youthoffthestreets.com.au/event/30-for-30-challenge/home&c=E,1,Klk0Le2QAc3QpmKvuSlXOxzVuWq6nU_kKCiR8GkVRjMNn_WoqO1x9MfKn3GPraOWeV-kRCDgZTh5NdL9PyvyXwiAg3Q3uOBspZSE-1DNqHg9nqoDxC4Y&typo=1 gave me the opportunity to do this, no surprise to anyone it would involve my love of cycling. I took everything I’ve learned from the work I do with our Cycle Of Courage program and my involvement in the Sydney To Surfers Robbo’s ride and organised a charity ride of my own.

The plan…cycle 300kms over 2 days, return trip from Menai to Bundanoon - total metres to climb 3,606 with a fundraising goal of $3,000. It didn’t take long to find 8 other crazy individuals eager to escape their LGA, so we registered as the 30 Years 30 MORE Team.

Not even La Niña was going stop our commitment to completing our challenge but didn’t she TRY ! Rain, head winds, sideways wind, fog and more RAIN, the hardest conditions I’ve ever cycled in but it only made our pack more determined. There was however one shining moment, as we emerged through the fog from Robertson, fingers and toes frozen…the sun broke through the clouds as we began our 8km decent down Macquarie Pass through vibrant rainforest and cascading waterfalls…the feeling in the group was pure elation, it was a major highlight!

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s to never take our freedom for granted and treasure every precious moment you spend outside your house, in nature, with your friends.

Reflecting over the weekend since completing our challenge, I have an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment and I have our 30 Years 30 MORE Team to thank! Elizabeth, Biscuits, Stephen, Ray, Fran, Greg, Carl, Tony & Steven. Im so grateful to you for making this event something we can all be proud of and for giving me a bunch of memories I will never forget.

Today our team reached a fundraising total of $11,323!

This event has exceeded all expectation and I’d like to acknowledge the following people for their contribution

EVERYONE who sponsored us!! On behalf of the team we are so appreciative of your support for Youth Off The Streets to continue their tireless work on the frontlines, providing young people with access to safe accomodation, education, counselling and other mental health services, life skills, and employment programs.

Sydney To Surfers Robbo’s ride committee members… the most selfless, kind, dedicated volunteers, your commitment to planning charity rides as a major fundraiser for Father Riley’s Organisation for the last 22 years is awe inspiring. I am truely humbled by your generosity, you have taught me so much. Thank you for the loan of the sign and light for our support vehicle.

I still have my heart set on achieving a personal goal of raising $3,000…..

$246  TO GO! https://fundraise.youthoffthestreets.com.au/fundraisers/anitaheathcote/30-for-30-challenge