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Ride for your life
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In the current times of expressing a desire to be healthy in mind and body, it is fitting to see that a young group of masons, family and friends participated in the Sydney to Wollongong, 2012 MS Gong Ride. Supported by the STEP program and Lodge Capitol 612, in Canberra, this team diligently met their fundraising requirements, as a token to participate.
On 4 November 2012, five riders and two volunteers supported the team of David Jenkins, Cameron Bennett and Alex Slater. Brothers David Jenkins and Alex Slater are from the supporting lodge – Lodge Capitol 612. Two friends of Alex, Simon and Adrian Davis (brothers), joined the team to assist and promote the Craft. Our volunteers on the day, VW Bro David Slater and his sister Ruth, were able to assist at the finishing line.
Cameron and the rest of the team had a beautiful ride along the coast road, over hill and dale. The overall course is well suited for all ages and fitness levels, some people start from Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine, while most commence the ride in Sydney Park, St Peters, Sydney. The ride is completed in Stuart Park, Wollongong, where the team was met with a large party of music, food, drink and cheer! En route, some stops were had to refresh, drink and recover if necessary.
A big amount of over $5,900 was raised, which could not have been achieved without the generous sponsors and supporters. Bro Slater would like to particularly thank Lodge Capitol 612 for hosting this initiative and everyone who came on board, the riders, donors and Grand Lodge for everything that was provided for the team as well as the STEP program for its immense support in organising advertising and media. The whole event was made possible by people working together and it is an activity when one can reflect and say they are proud to be a mason and proud to have a working relationship with people who act for the same cause of good and happiness amongst society.
A Freemasons team will be competing in the 2013 MS Gong Ride in November this year. They will be looking for brethren, families and friends to participate, volunteer or sponsor a rider in the event and make an impact on the community involved around MS. Their aim is to provide assistance where possible and to show we care immensely as Freemasons and good people.
As well as the assistance provided to the MS Society, a Freemasons team in this event is advocacy for Men’s Health and a good reason to keep fit, use exercise as transport and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The ride this year will be on Sunday, 3 November 2013. For more information, please contact Bro Alex Slater at alex@slaters.id.au or by mobile on 0406 376 341 who will answer your questions and provide information regarding this year’s ride.
Article extracted from Freemason magazine, June 2013, page 28.