Latest News
BCC AdSystems rides hard and raises $10,000 for MS research
BCC AdSystems has raised a remarkable $10,000 towards finding a cure for MS through its participation in the 2009 Sydney to the Gong bike ride.
The “BCC for F5m†team was made up of BCC members Rob Clay, Tomas Repka and Gerard Dunning, as well as Warrick Nicholson from Euro RSCG and Andrea Christie.
BCC Media MD, Rob Landsberry said “The ride was all about fundraising for a great cause in a world-class event. The BCC ‘Dream Team’ as we like to call them here, has done us proud, raising $10,000 towards finding a cure for MS.
“Out of 700 teams and 10,000 riders, our team was ranked 11th in terms of average funds raised, which amounted to over $2,000 per team member. We’d like to thank all those who supported the team with donations.â€
Team captain and BCC’s Software Development Manager, Rob Clay, said: “To take some time out to fundraise for a great cause like this is just so worthwhile. And hats off to the organisers! It’s an enormous amount of work and a fantastic day out.â€
BCC for F5m was established in honour of Foundation 5 Million, the charity founded by Ian Ballard to raise $5 million towards MS research.
For over 25 years, Ian worked at a number of agency and media-related businesses, from Mojo during the heady days of advertising in the 80’s, through to his most recent role at Foxtel. In 1995, Ian was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and for some years had bouts of the illness followed by remission. It was only in the past few years that the disease turned into the progressive form.
While Ian continued to work at Foxtel, he sadly passed away in November last year aged 48.
Collectively, the F5m group of 100 riders raised $100,000 for research into MS as a tribute to Ian.
To date, the 2009 Sydney to the Gong MS bike ride raised almost $2.8 million towards MS research.
BCC is now planning for the 2010 ride with an expanded team and a $20,000 target.
On the day of the ride this year, the BCC for F5m team met at 6am at the starting line for the 90km ride. They were joined by 100 fellow riders who were also aiming to raise funds in the name of Foundation 5 Million.
After some friendly banter, the BCC team set off in a group ‘Peloton’ of 100 riders in matching F5m cycling jerseys. The ride out of Sydney was busy, with several thousand riders jostling for position, but it was a great opportunity to chat with fellow fundraisers and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace. Local volunteers and police kept everything running smoothly, and people were at every corner waving and cheering the riders on.
“There were some amusing moments, like a man riding a unicycle, another with dreadlocks to his ankles on what looked like one of those 1970’s high rise kids bikes,†Rob Clay said.
“Another was in long pants and jacket - and it was hot on that Sunday! - riding a chopper bike fit for a six year old. Others riding tandem – 2 and even 3 riders, and not so fit cyclists pushing their bikes at the very start of a steep 10km hill climb. The good thing about these folk was that they made the BCC team look extra good.â€
The ride itself was spectacular taking in national parks, and beautiful coastal scenery – the BCC team was even greeted by a whale off the coast on the final scenic leg into Wollongong. The finish at Stuart Park in Wollongong saw the team’s arrival greeted with cheers from F5m volunteers, and a BBQ lunch and drinks at the F5m tent.
If you would still like to make a donation, please visit:
http://register.gongride.org.au/?BCC+For+F5m
For more information, please contact:
Rob Landsberry
BCC AdSystems
T: (02) 9879 8226
E: rlandsberry@bcc.com.au
Sylvia Geaitani
Access Public Relations
T: (02) 9279 4033
M: 0414 755 162
E: sylvia@accesspr.com.au
About BCC AdSystems
Established in 1978, BCC AdSystems is a privately owned company that specialises in the provision of software and business solutions for advertising agencies, media buying houses, media selling companies and associated organisations. With more than 130 clients in 13 countries, BCC AdSystems continues to consolidate its position as the market leader in Australia and build on its rapidly expanding client base throughout Asia. www.bcc.com.au