Corners4Kids: Riding 2000 km in support of young Australians

07 March 2016

This weekend, 20 riders for Corners4Kids – one of the longest-running fundraising events supporting ReachOut – will cover 2000 km on motorbikes and raise funds for young people’s mental health and wellbeing along the way.

Established in March 2000, Corners4Kids was the brainchild of three friends who loved riding and thought they could do something to support a good cause at the same time.

‘Lynn Ralph, Brian Thomas and Ray Griffin got together at a financial convention in Tassie way back in 1999. Talking about getting a ride together, they thought “Why not do it for a charity for kids?”’ says Darren Drew, who later became a founding member of the annual ride.

‘We all had young kids at the time,’ adds Darren. ‘We thought we should raise some awareness to support young people who might need a bit of help.’

Darren says Corners4Kids is more than just a ride – it’s an opportunity to reach remote areas with a message that everyone relates to.

‘We hear incredible stories when we pull up in small towns along the way. People will walk up and tell us a great story of how ReachOut has helped their daughter, or another family member.

‘People will walk up and just give us a hundred bucks. We do little events in pubs and clubs along the way. A club might run a raffle and give us the proceeds.’

One week out from the ride, Darren and the other riders can’t wait to get out onto the open road. ‘It’s a great ride, a great way of getting out with like-minded friends for four days, and a good way to support a good cause that helps young Australians,’ he adds.

Funds raised by Corners4Kids helps make it possible for ReachOut to support more than 110,000 Australians every month with practical tools and support to help young people get through everything from everyday issues to tough times.

Inspired by the Corners4Kids story and their belief in young Australians? Please donate to support their efforts and leave a note of encouragement.