General News
2 May, 2024
Kate’s fundraising pedal
When local realtor Kate Ashton is not busy selling houses, she can often be spotted wheeling along on her well-fitted bicycle — preparing for yet another demanding 500-kilometre ride in Thailand. Traversing through long stretches of windy roads...
When local realtor Kate Ashton is not busy selling houses, she can often be spotted wheeling along on her well-fitted bicycle — preparing for yet another demanding 500-kilometre ride in Thailand.
Traversing through long stretches of windy roads, hilly slopes and rocky terrains, this is the fourth time Ms Ashton has set her sights on completing the gruelling five-day journey, continually motivated by a benevolent cause.
In eight weeks time, she will cycle alongside 50 other people to raise funds for charitable organisation, Hands Across The Water, which provides crucial aid to Thailand’s disadvantaged and underprivileged children.
Proactive and determined, Ms Ashton has not only already collected more than half of her total fundraising goal of $10,000 for the upcoming ride, but has also started drumming up funds for next year’s 700-km ride.
More impressive still, is the overall amount she has raised since she first gripped the handlebars for the cause — with around $50,000 contributed towards providing life-saving necessities for the kids.
According to Ms Ashton, knowing she can make a difference at that level, pushes her to participate in the experience year after year.
“It’s about giving to others who really need it and every dollar counts,” she said.
“I was an exchange student in Thailand when I was 16, so there has always been a connection to the country and it’s all for a good cause.
“For most things, when I set a goal it becomes a non-negotiable and this is one of those things. Some days it’s really hard to train but you still keep going.”
Ms Ashton still needs around $4700 to reach her fundraising goal and she needs the community to back her efforts.
Next week, on Friday, May 10, she is hosting Trivia with a Twist — a night filled with games, silent auctions, raffles and giveaways.
“Many locals would have gone to trivia nights and have been entertained so I’m asking them to come along for this event as well because it’s also about something [charitable],” Ms Ashton said.
“It’d be great to see that support and I encourage everyone to book in so they don’t miss out.
“If people can’t make it to the night, they can still make a donation because even a few dollars makes a big difference.
“I understand that money is tight at the moment but just a cup of coffee’s worth of money will go a long way in helping these kids who really have nothing.”
Trivia with a Twist will kick off from 6.30 pm onwards at the Maryborough Golf Club on May 10 — tickets cost $25 per person and include supper.
To book a spot for the night, text Ms Ashton on 0418 521 346.
If you’d like to make a separate donation to Ms Ashton’s fundraiser, visit www.handsacrossthewater.org.au/fundraisers/KateAshton/red23-ride-to-provide-2024.
You can also keep up with her progress by viewing her Facebook page, called Real Estate Kate — Riding to Provide.