Community & Business
10 June, 2025
Charity ride raises $30K for ‘chappies’
AN impressive $30,000 was raised for local school chaplains in the 10th annual Cycle for Hope charity bike ride held recently.
This year’s event had 58 cyclists take on the challenging 145km journey from Redlynch, up the Kuranda Range, through to Mareeba and Mt Molloy before descending the Rex Range to finish in Port Douglas.
The Cycle for Hope has been held every year for the past decade to raise awareness and vital funds for Scripture Union Queensland’s Chaplaincy Service in Far North Queensland.
Atherton State High School chaplain and ride director Belinda Fowler said it was “encouraging” to see so many cyclists ride to support local chaplains.
“It’s a great yearly event that raises awareness for the support that chaplains provide for students in our local schools,” she said.
“It was a day of endurance, fun, heartfelt generosity, and a powerful reminder of the community’s commitment to caring for its young people.
“A special thank you goes to the Mareeba Lion’s Club, whose generous backing since the inaugural ride has been instrumental in the event’s continued success.”
School chaplains, affectionately known as “chappies”, play a crucial role in supporting the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of students, staff, and parents within school communities.
Chappies offer a caring presence and a listening ear for young people facing a wide range of issues, including family breakdown, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Their work focuses on early intervention, resilience building, and emotional support.
This year’s bike ride raised an impressive $30,000, up $7,000 from last year’s event.
The funds will go directly towards resources and support for chaplains in local schools.
