The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation sets the wheel of change in motion

In and around Melbourne, it’s increasingly common to see locals zipping about on two wheels, trading in their daily commute in cars for their bikes.

The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation are taking things to another level with their upcoming ride.

Raising money for Very Special Kids and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, this year’s challenge is taking 44 cyclists across to Tasmania on a gruelling 1000-kilometre course traversing some of the state’s most scenic spots. 

Kicking off in Hobart on March 7 with a 74-kilometre loop, the event takes riders via lush Bruny Island before travelling through Tarraleah and the Great Lake, ending up in Devonport for a trip around picturesque Cradle Mountain. 

This year’s challenge has set an ambitious fund-raising target of $1 million, with riders drawn typically from senior executive ranks within the property and finance industries. 

For Chain Reaction CEO John Ward the make-up of the participants adds an important element, demonstrating the corporate world’s sense of social responsibility, while enabling significant funds to be raised that can make a real difference to the broader community.

“The whole concept has proven highly successful for over a decade and demonstrates that individuals and organisations want to do more and be a part of something more rewarding than simply writing a cheque,” Ward says.

Berrick Wilson founded the charity in 2007 after his daughter was rushed to hospital with a brain haemorrhage when she was just two days old.

Over several weeks at Monash Medical Centre, the family experienced quality care and attention from staff but Wilson sensed how much more could be done to assist hospitals in providing such vital care. The foundation has since raised more than $29 million.

Victoria’s property industry would appear to agree with Chain Reaction’s mission, with team members from Domain and agency Marshall White signing up for this year’s challenge from March 7 to 14. 

Donations can be made via chain-reaction.org.au/donate

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