About The Ride
How it all began
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth began in 2003 when a small group of recreational cyclists decided to combine their resources and raise funds for Youth Focus to assist in the prevention of youth suicide, depression and self-harm. Knowing that each and every teenage suicide affects hundreds of people; families, friends and neighbours, the riders felt this issue was a concern the whole community needed to address. Incredibly from humble beginnings in 2003 the event has raised more than $4,500,000 to support Youth Focus to assist young West Australians in need.
The Ride
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is held annually in March across 5 days with Riders covering over 700kms on their way from Albany to Perth. In 2012 the two pelotons will take two separate routes travelling through the towns of Denmark, Walpole, Pemberton, Busselton, Bunbury, Frankland River, Bridgetown and Collie before meeting in Mandurah to ride the final leg to Perth together.
The 88 Riders all participate in a strenuous six month training program, under the guidance of renowned coach Peter Trench, during which they will complete around 8,000 kms in preparation for the event.
On their journey the riders stop at high schools to engage the students in the issues of youth suicide, depression and self harm and the services that Youth Focus provides. The riders also share their personal stories and experiences as many have been touched in some way by these very personal issues. In 2012 we estimate that our riders will encourage around 3,000 students to take better care of their own mental health.
The prime objectives of the Hawaiian Ride for Youth are:
- to raise funds for Youth Focus
- to raise awareness of the issues concerning youth suicide, depression and self-harm
- to raise awareness of the services provided by Youth Focus
Although the Ride provides opportunity for personal growth and achievement, particularly for persons who do not come from a cycling background, the main objective of the Ride will always remain a charitable one.
Fundraising
The Hawaiian Ride for Youth is Youth Focus’ largest fundraising event. Since its inception in 2003 the Ride has raised over $4.5 million for Youth Focus (see table below). In 2009 the Ride for Youth won the Special Events’ category of the Fundraising Institute of Australia’s (FIA) National Awards for Excellence in Fundraising.
| YEAR | NUMBER OF RIDERS | FUNDRAISING TOTAL |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 24 | $150,000 |
| 2004 | 29 | $309,000 |
| 2005 | 38 | $350,000 |
| 2006 | 40 | $515,000 |
| 2007 | 40 | $560,000 |
| 2008 | 40 | $665,000 |
| 2009 | 36 | $458,000 |
| 2010 | 44 | $748,000 |
| 2011 | 50 | $941,500 |
| TOTAL FUNDRAISING | $4,686,500 |
The fundraising target for the 2012 ride is $1,250,000
Raising awareness within the community
The awareness raised for Youth Focus from the Hawaiian Ride for Youth is equally as important as the funds raised. The riders not only create awareness about Youth Focus through their individual fundraising campaigns but also participate in wind-training sessions (cycling on a stationary bike) at local shopping centres (including the Herdsman and Hawaiian retail outlets) during the lead up to the Ride.
On their journey the riders stop at a number of schools to engage the students in the issues of youth suicide, depression and self harm and the services that Youth Focus provides. The riders also share their personal stories and experiences as many have been touched in some way by these very personal issues. The school visits are always a highlight of the Ride.
Further information:
p: 08 6266 4333 | e: events@youthfocus.com.au
