MSM Milling, organisers of the most successful Mill2Mill charity bike ride, recently presented $117,423 to this year’s chosen recipients. The recipients are a national charity beyondblue, as well as local Manildra community groups and regional schools.
The grueling 577 km ride from Gunnedah to Manildra took place over four days in April with 48 riders, and 12 volunteer support crew. Rodney Coleman and Tina Jones from Parkes took part for a second time in the event.
MSM Milling Director Pete Mac Smith, said this year’s total brings the funds raised by the biennial event since its inception in 2009 to $337,000. “What made this ride different to our previous charity rides was the inclusion of an authorised and trained mental health spokesman Jeremy Suggett. Jeremy rode the four-day event with us and spoke to children at schools along the route about the importance of good mental health and how to help a friend in need,” said Mr Mac Smith.
He presented beyondblue with a cheque of $97,260, as well as $14,150 to Manildra community organisations and $6,000 for regional schools – including three in Manildra. Georgie Harman, beyondblue CEO, said demand for their support service grew by 44% last year. “We can only continue to meet this rising demand with help from the community. This is so important because one call could save a life.”
A free support service is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 224636. She thanked the team for their time and energy to encourage people to talk about their mental health openly to help break down stigma and discrimination. The local community organisations to benefit from the financial donation are the Manildra Men’s Shed, the Manildra Showground Trust and the Montana Skatepark.
The next ride will take place in 2018.