How It All Started
Sometimes unexpected conversations can lead to the most life-changing outcomes. That was certainly the case in 2013 when a casual lunch between FDC Director Cornelius (Con) Hart and client, Andrew Price sparked something special.
Andrew had been seeking advice on how the law firm he was working with at the time, Wotton Kearney, a long-time FDC client, could pitch in with a “working bee” to help one of their charities, Royal Far West. After visiting the charity’s ageing Manly site, it became clear that while the intention was good, the building needs far exceeded what Andrew’s team could physically deliver.
Con offered another idea: raise funds instead — and let FDC assemble the team to design, coordinate, and carry out the necessary works. A few glasses of wine later, they landed on the concept of a long-distance charity bike ride through regional NSW. By the end of lunch, Ride to Give was born.
In early 2014, with just 24 riders made up of lawyers, builders and mates, the first ride raised more than $100,000. That figure was later doubled through pro bono and discounted work — transforming Royal Far West’s facilities for rural families supporting sick children in the city. What was meant to be a one-off became a movement. Now, more than a decade later, Ride to Give has raised more than $4.1 million, supported countless causes, and — most importantly — made a meaningful difference.
Our Impact
In 2023, Ride to Give raised $534,000 for our two remarkable charity partners, BackTrack Youth Works and The Tie Dye Project as well as supporting a number of local schools and community groups across regional NSW.
$267,000 was put towards renovating a farmhouse in Armidale and installing two Cubbah Cubbah cabins for BackTrack. The cabins are now well-established, providing short-term accommodation for kids in need. However, the farmhouse was virtually uninhabitable. The 2023 funding has helped establish extensive decking, shared amenities and a permanent caravan and awning to house the farm caretakers. The renovation has provided employment for seven young people as trainees.
Ride To Give raised an incredible $415,555 in 2024 for our giving partner Boys to the Bush (BttB) which paid for a building in Forbes —a lasting legacy for the BttB team, the local youth, and the many programs run from this facility. In addition, funds paid for a fishing boat and two mini buses for the kids and their mentors, providing more scope for positive intervention and extending the capacity of the group.
As FDC celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, Ride to Give took on an even greater meaning through each charity's transformative programs raising a record $561,436.
FDC will now continue supporting BackTrack with funding from this year’s ride delivering 35 months of safe farm accommodation through the FDC Safe Place to Stay Fund. This includes full-time youth workers, food, clothing, household costs, and support that doesn’t clock off at 5pm. It’s a lifeline for kids in crisis, offering not just shelter, but dignity. It will also help fund BackTrack’s teacher in Armidale, who takes curriculum-aligned education to wherever the kids are, whether that’s the farm, the shed, or the campfire; flexible support that helps young people reconnect with learning, build job skills, and rediscover self-worth.
For Boys to the Bush, the FDC MENtoring fund will support 35 boys in participating in the program for a full year. This includes one-on-one support, school engagement, community connection, and essential life skills. Additionally, it offers TAFE and accreditation courses, along with the necessary tools and equipment to help young men enter the workforce.
500
The number of charities and community programs that we have supported.
$14 Million
Total funds raised to date for community and charity initiatives.
20,000km
The record-breaking distance rode by FDC's Ben Woods in his Ride for Jase fundraiser in support of the Black Dog Institute.
2025
Dubbo • Forbes • Temora • Leeton
Our 2025 Ride to Give charity ride saw 62 riders cycle from Dubbo to Leeton, raising a record-breaking $561,436 for charity partners Boys to the Bush, BackTrack Youth Works, and local community causes along the way. Over 500 kilometres, riders came together with a shared mission — to support programs that give young people in regional and rural Australia a fair go.
Both Boys to the Bush and BackTrack focus on prevention and early intervention, helping at-risk youth build confidence, skills, and connection to community. The funds raised will help these organisations expand their impact, create more opportunities for regional kids, and continue building safer, stronger futures across the country.
2024
Young • Yass • Goulburn • Canberra
In June 2024, Ride to Give riders raised an incredible $415,555 for our giving partner, Boys to the Bush (BttB). Covering 485km from Young to Canberra, we were able to donate an additional $30,000 to regional communities along the route.
Focusing on prevention and early intervention strategies, BttB supports some of our communities’ most vulnerable boys in becoming good men in the future. Funds raised will fund a new depot in Forbes, a new boat in Young, and a minibus for travel in Echucha. Additional funds will be invested into camp fees for over 40 kids who otherwise would’ve been unable to afford it.
2023
Armidale • Tamworth • Bingara • Armidale
In April 2023, Ride to Give raised $534,000 for our two remarkable charity partners, BackTrack Youth Works and The Tie Dye Project as well as supporting a number of local schools and community groups across regional NSW.
The Tie Dye Project was founded in 2017 by GIANTS Netball and Diamonds player Amy Parmenter, her sister Daisy, and 17-year-old Molly Croft. Molly was diagnosed at the age of 12 with osteosarcoma, a rare form of aggressive bone cancer. They continue to raise money and awareness to help fund life-changing cancer research via the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation.
Designed to help young people find their place and chase their dreams, grow and become independent, BackTrack Youth Works offers flexible, holistic and long-term support. The organisation supports every aspect of a young person’s life – from helping them connect with the community and supporting individual wellbeing to helping their personal development and providing learning and employment opportunities.
