Charity ride registrations now open

With the weather warming up, it’s time to don your lycra and get on your bike for the Barossa Co-op 70th Anniversary Charity Ride.

To be held on October 26, the ride is a fundraising initiative for the Little Heroes Foundation and will give cyclists of all ages and standards the opportunity to travel through the heart of the Barossa whilst helping to change the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

Mr Graham Stocker, Nuriootpa Foodland assistant manager, said the Sunday event is another opportunity for the company to give back to their community and it is the second time that the Co-op Care programme has hosted a fundraising ride.

“The motivation behind it is to raise money for a great cause and also to get the community out and doing something healthy. So, it’s an all round kind of thing based on the company’s philosophy,” he said.

“Also, one of the major charities for the Foodland Group is the Little Heroes Foundation.

“A lot of us, as most people do, have had a connection to young children over the years, whether they be ours, our grandkids or friend’s children, that have had a need for the facilities and great care the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital provide.”

Graham also admits there are a “few cycling nuts” employed at The Co-op and their first event last year, which was run mid-week as a more corporate event, raised $5,000.

“We were pretty happy with that. This year we are opening it up to the community and having it on a Sunday. We know it will be bigger – we’re hoping to get around 200 people. More if they can come – there’s no limit to entry. If 2,000 people want to register and turn up we can certainly cater for that!” he said optimistically.