THE McDonalds Ride for Sick Kids sets off from Inverell this Sunday and Inverell McDonalds owner Chris Rodgers is encouraging the Inverell community to support the ride, with all funds raised going to the operation of the Hunter Ronald McDonald House.

“The Hunter House is very important for the New England, the first port of call for families with sick children is often John Hunter Hospital at Newcastle and if there is a spare room families can stay there for free.

“Sometimes families will be at the Hunter House for six to 12 months and it is a big help to families with sick children to have somewhere comfortable to stay that is close to specialists and support.”

This year’s Ride for Sick Kids has a fundraising target of $220,000, which was raised last year, and Chris says the riders hope to take the four-year total above $500,000.

The inaugural Ride for Sick Kids began in Inverell four years ago and this year sees a return to the original starting line.

On Saturday night a charity dinner will be held at the Riverside Restaurant with special guest speaker, cricket commentator Kerry O’Keefe sure to delight the crowd.

An auction will also be held on the night, with various items up for grabs including sporting memorabilia and weekends away.

Donations for the Ride for Sick Kids can be made at McDonalds restaurants and also at the website www.rideforsickkids.org

The ride will set off from Inverell McDonalds on Sunday morning and will finish in seven days at the Ronald McDonald Hunter House.