United Motorcycle Council NSW

Bikers rally community to raise $17,000 for local kids

Last Sunday, the United Motorcycle Council of New South Wales (UMCNSW) rode alongside more than two hundred social motorcyclists and Hotrod drivers in a charity ride that stretched from Narellan to Campbelltown in aid of the Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation.

More than $17,000 was raised for the Foundation by UMCNSW, community members and local businesses. The Foundation will use these funds to help build a critical care ward at the Campbelltown Hospital.

The Kids of Macarthur Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the health care provision for and the quality of life of every child in the Macarthur region. Previous activities of the Foundation have included purchasing paediatric medical equipment, supporting child health programs and commissioning preventative research.

Rebels Motorcycle Club and UMCNSW member Erald Hassan said despite the traditional low-key nature of individual clubs’ fundraising efforts, the UMC had gone public with this fundraising challenge because of his personal connection with the Foundation.

“My son was involved in a horrific car crash more than four years ago.

“Since this day, he has been in and out of Campbelltown Hospital more than any parent would like to experience.

“During this time, I have seen first-hand the outstanding care and service that the Hospital delivers to our local kids and it was important to me and the Council that we involved the community in our challenge to publicly support this amazing charity,” Mr Hassan said.

Kids of Macarthur CEO Denise McGarth, local Campbelltown Hospital paediatrician Dr Richard Dunstan and local Member Dr Andrew McDonald warmly received riders and supporters at the Campbelltown Hospital.

Mr Hassan and UMCNSW chairman Ferret proudly presented Ms McGarth and Dr Dunstan with their fantastic fundraising efforts at the end of the ride.

The United Motorcycle Council of New South Wales (UMCNSW) was formed in mid 2009 in an effort to promote a sociably responsible motorcycle culture and create a platform to raise and debate issues affecting motorcycle riders and clubs.

The community can make donations to the Foundation by cheque at Kids of Macarthur, PO Box 494, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560.