Community
27 February, 2025
Pedal pushing for a cause
MORE than 20 cyclists left Port Fairy earlier this week on their way to Sorrento to raise funds for people facing homelessness, poverty and disadvantage.
The group spent just over three days in the saddle, pedalling more than 355 kilometres (through the Otways and along the Great Ocean Road) in their quest to raise almost $100,000 for programs operated through St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy.
Speaking from Port Fairy on Tuesday morning, group spokesperson John Sesto said the majority of riders came from Melbourne just for the occasion.
“We call this ride ‘Wheels for Meals’ and every rider aims to raise around $2,500,” John said.
“We’re hoping to hit the $100,000 mark to help provide nutritious meals, as well as other vital supports to men and women who are chronically homeless and sleeping rough.”
The fundraising figure on Tuesday stood at just over $40,000.
“It’s amazing to see the huge support and goodwill we receive from our sponsors and the general public when they see us in our St Mary’s riding kit, and we explain that we are raising funds for the homeless and underprivileged,” John said.
St Mary’s House of Welcome interim chief executive officer John Fogarty expressed his gratitude to the Wheels for Meals cyclists and sponsors.
“The generous support we receive from the Wheels for Meals event each year allows us to expand and enhance the services we provide for our service users,” Mr Fogarty said.
“In addition to the support we provide by way of meals, showers, laundry services and other supports, funds raised from such initiatives allow us to provide programs to support those service users who may be preparing to transition to housing, as well as provide activities such as our choir or tickets to events that service users would otherwise not be able to access.
“We are very grateful for the time and effort the Wheels for Meals crew go to each year”.
St Mary’s House of Welcome provides basic essential services to people who are chronically homeless and experiencing poverty, severe and persistent mental health issues and those who are extremely isolated and socially marginalised.
Many of those who visit St Mary’s House of Welcome for help experience multiple issues including sleeping rough, drug addiction, poverty, childhood trauma, mental illness, institutionalisation, street drinking, all of which adds up to chronic social and health problems.
Demand on St Mary’s House of Welcome’s services is set to increase to unprecedented levels in the coming year.
There are hundreds of men and women in Melbourne who are experiencing chronic homelessness and hardship, who find themselves disconnected and confused and looking for a safe place and help to access services.
“Our open-door policy means we are often the first point of contact for people when they need a place to eat, wash and access essential services,” Mr Fogarty said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation for this year’s Wheels for Meals can simply head to https://wheels-for-meals-2025.raiselysite.com/
