The annual KTM Ride 4 Kids charity event raised over $80,000 in vital funding for Challenge, which is an organisation that provides programs and services to kids with cancer.

An inaugural luncheon was held on Friday, 19 October, before a ride day at Wonthaggi in Victoria on Sunday, 21 October, capped off the event’s activities for 2012.

Since the program began in 2002, Ride 4 Kids has raised over $400,000 through rider entries, auctions of motocross memorabilia and donations across all events. A pair of 2013 KTM 85 SX models were won during the event, supplied by KTM Australia.

One 85 SX was awarded to the Overall Highest Fundraiser, Hayden Smith, who raised a fantastic $8590. The second 85 SX was won by Lachlan Prowse in a draw for participants who were able to raise in excess of $300 for Challenge.

“The 2012 Ride 4 Kids kicked off with an inaugural charity luncheon on the Friday afternoon, which was intended to bring the motorcycle community together and reach those who may not ride any longer or be able to attend the actual ride day,” explained Ride 4 Kids event founder Matt Manning. “We really wanted to build a platform for 2013, however the attendance and commitment to the event was overwhelming and it was beyond all expectations.

“Having moved to the Dandenong Motorcycle Club at Wonthaggi for the first time in Ride 4 Kids’ 10 year history on Sunday, the weather wasn’t favourable, but attendance was still good and the level of donations made was outstanding. With the two events combined, we raised upwards of $80,000 in 2012 and we are very appreciative of the support provided by all involved.”

KTM Australia general manager Jeff Leisk is once again proud to be associated with the Ride 4 Kids fundraiser and is an avid supporter of Challenge.

“The event exceeded our expectations massively this year,” Leisk commented. “A new part of Ride 4 Kids this year was the luncheon on Friday, which had a Mr. Motocross theme and proved very successful. That was really well supported with about 100 people attending – it was a positive addition and we raised around $30,000 from that alone.

“From KTM’s perspective we are proud to be involved, to be able to make a contribution to Challenge and the great work they do for kids and families dealing with cancer. I was quite blown away by the motorcycling community, in particular the kids who raised money to win the KTM 85 SX models up for grabs. There were a lot of kids raising money on their own accord and I thought that was really, really positive to see their involvement.”

Riders from both the Motorex KTM Off Road Racing and JDR/KTM Factory Racing teams were once again on hand at KTM Ride 4 Kids in 2012, including current Australian Off-Road Champion Toby Price and popular Queensland rising star Brenden Harrison.

This week will be a busy one for KTM Australia’s factory racing teams in Victoria, with round two of the Australian Supercross Championships scheduled for Phillip Island on Saturday, 27 October, and the Australian Four-Day Enduro taking place at Warragul on 24-27 October.

For further information on supporting Challenge through fund raising and events, call 03 9329 8474 or visit www.challenge.org.au.