Foodbank Victoria is now seeking corporate CEOs and professionals with a love of cycling to join the event, which raises funds to tackle food insecurity – a crisis affecting 1 in 5 Australians.
“Demand for food relief is increasing in Victoria and right across the nation. We and our charity partners are struggling to keep up and it’s vitally important we have the food available to support the most vulnerable in our community,” said Foodbank Victoria CEO Dave McNamara.
“The Hunger Ride is a great opportunity for companies to enter a corporate team and support our work fighting hunger and food insecurity.”
Montague, one of the largest family-run fruit growing businesses in Australia, is sponsoring the 2019 event through its premium apple brand, JAZZ™ Apple.
“Montague has been a long-time supporter of Foodbank’s work and The Hunger Ride presents a great opportunity to extend that support,” said Managing Director Ray Montague.
“Millions of Aussie apple lovers have embraced the great taste of JAZZ™, including through Foodbank’s work in the community and in schools, and we’ll make sure all the teams taking part in The Hunger Ride can re-energise with a JAZZ™ Apple and be at their best for what I’ve heard is a pretty gruelling ride!”
Team JAZZTM Apple has already secured one of 10 team spots in the ride, which is delivered by peak cycling body Cycling Victoria. The 172km route departs Beechworth and takes in challenging climbs including Mt Buffalo and Mt Stanley.
Tour de France Green Jersey winner, Baden Cooke, will return as Ride Ambassador in 2019 and also host training events in the lead-up.
“Having grown up in Benalla the hills around Beechworth are some of my favourite riding country. The scenery is absolutely stunning,” he said.
“The first ride was a lot of fun and I’m hoping the 2019 teams can smash it out on the road and really rise to the fundraising challenge too and support the amazing work of Foodbank.”
The inaugural Hunger Ride was held in March 2018 and raised more than $60,000 – enough to provide 120,000 meals to vulnerable Victorians. Teams included SkyBus, Peters Ice Cream, Danone, Port of Melbourne, Prestige Foods and C.T. Freight.
For more information or to enquire about entering a team, visit www.thehungerride.com.au
Photos and interviews
- You can download a promotional video and high resolution photos of the 2018 event and shots of Hunger Ride Ambassador Baden Cooke, Montague Managing Director Ray Montague and Foodbank Victoria Commercial Partnerships Manager Chris Scott at the Montague Narre Warren orchard here.
- For interviews, please contact Foodbank Victoria’s Alexa Viani on 03 9362 8333 or 0422 614 364.
Background
Foodbank Victoria
Across the country, one in five people – including children – go hungry each year. Since 1930, Foodbank Victoria has been the leading provider of emergency food relief for Victorians in need. Working with more than 450 charity partners across the state, Foodbank is distributing the equivalent of almost one million meals every month to assist 116,000 Victorians who are food insecure. Unfortunately, thousands more people are turned away as there is not enough food to meet demand.
The Hunger Ride
The Hunger Ride is an corporate cycling challenge through 172kms of Victoria’s most beautiful and difficult cycling terrain. While the terrain might be challenging, every kilometre helps to raise much-needed funds for Foodbank to provide vulnerable children and families with food. Team entry includes return transport to Beechworth, accommodation, meals, branded jerseys, awards celebration, and the opportunity to network and collaborate with other like-minded organisations.
Montague
Montague is a family-owned business whose history stretches back three generations. Founded by William (Bill) Montague (OAM) in 1948, Montague is now run by Bill’s son Ray and grandchildren Hamish, Scott, Tim, Crystal and Andrew, and is today focused on serving the Australian food industry. Montague activities include fruit production and packing, food sales and marketing and the provision of storage and logistics services.
Montague joined forces with their oldest and longest charitable partner, Foodbank in 2010. Since the partnership’s inception, Montague has donated over 1,049,000kg of fresh apples and stone fruits, with over 361,000 meals worth of food donated in 2017 alone. With people firmly at the organisation’s core, Montague has, and continues to, embark on charitable endeavours in order to make an impact on the lives of those doing it tough.
