20 October 2010

St John of God Health Care runs Horizon House – providing stable, long term accommodation to people aged 16 to 22 who would otherwise be homeless – as one of its Social Outreach and Advocacy services.

Horizon House is one of the organisations set to benefit from next month’s Santos Great Bike Ride – Perth’s premier cycling event. And now residents of Horizon House can get fully involved with the Great Bike Ride having just taken delivery of eight race bikes, cycle helmets, a six-week training programme, and cycle computers to help complete the event thanks to Body Active Consultancy and Bike Corp, who have donated the equipment.

Hon Mike Board, St John of God Health Care’s Manager of Youth, said: “The Great Bike Ride has been a very important event for Horizon House since 2004 and brings in significant funds to run the services for young people who are in need.

“We are really grateful to Body Active Consultancy and Bike Corp for the generous donation of these eight bikes and all the equipment that goes with them. It means that the young people in Horizon House can take full part in the event on November 21 and hopefully have a lot of fun along the way as well.”

Mark Armstrong, of Body Active Consultancy, said: “BAC is delighted to donate these eight race bikes to the Horizon Houses. The support from Bike Corp to donate bike computers will also allow the riders to measure the km’s ridden and their speed. BAC has also created a six-week training program, with advice to allow them to finish the event – hopefully in a good time!”

The Great Bike Ride starts and finishes at Perth’s Langley Park and there are 53km and 106km rides, as well as a 10km family ride. You can support this event and Horizon House by taking part in the ride, sponsoring a friend or by volunteering at the Great Bike Ride.