Epic ride for charity

By Jo Kennett

BOGANGAR RESIDENT Gary Hastings is setting off this Saturday, March 4, for a bike ride around Australia to raise funds for the Pencil Tree which helps poor kids from Indian slums into school, and locals are invited to wave him off on his epic journey.

Pencil Tree founder Steve Bellamy said Gary is turning 60 and wanted to do something worthwhile to mark the occasion, so he decided to ride 13,000 kilometres around Australia with no support to raise awareness and funds for the Pencil Tree.”

“He hadn’t been on a bike since he was 14 until six months ago,”Steve said.

“This amazing man has spent his own money, energy and sweat to make this happen, for children on the other side of the world that he has never met.

“He truly is an inspirational human. I hope that his story will encourage others to step out of their comfort zone and do something remarkable for themselves or for others.

The Pencil Tree sponsors 140 children to attend school in the building they funded with 300 kids gaining an education there. The charity also supports 14 remote mountain schools, and a total of 650 kids.

Steve said Gary’s trip has taken months of preparation.

“Crossfit in Tweed Heads has been wonderful, providing free training and nutritional advice.

“We are hoping to raise $76,000; half to build a cookery school so kids who aren’t academic can train in hospitality and get a job, and half for ten children to have ten years in school.”

“We’d love to see all his family, friends and well-wishers at Caba Social to wave him off this Saturday at 7am.”