As part of the board for The Santos Great Bike Ride for Charity and a sponsor (EmbroidMe sponsor the volunteer caps), I get very involved in the organisation of the event, but the thing I really enjoy is volunteering on the day. My wife and I along with a couple of other hearty souls, manned the Mosman Park water station from 6.30AM, where we spent a few hours cheering on the elite riders (they don't stop for anything!) and helping the mere mortal riders by filling up their water bottles and giving encouragement.

Even despite the efforts of just having ridden (or walked) up a very steep hill, everyone without exception had a smile on their face when they stopped off for a refill; it was hard, but for a great cause and you could feel the positive energy. One of the things that comes through loud and clear is that people really appreciate doing something for others, especially when raising money for three great charities (Heart Foundation, Horizon House & Hope for Children).

We went up to Langley Park once all the riders were through and despite the tired bodies, people were still smiling and full of energy for a job well done.

To quote the words of Winston Churchill,

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give"

I couldn't agree more. 

(206) Comments // (206) Trackback // Permalink