Bikers digging deep for charity

Large groups of motorcyclists are better known for roaring down highways and filling local pubs than giving money to charities, but the Ulysses Club is one group with a healthy social conscience.

Last week the well-known social club, which caters to motorcyclists over the age of 40, donated $7000 to the Leukaemia Foundation at the Foundation’s Wollongong office.

The money was raised through an Elite Campers raffle at the 28,000 member group’s Annual General Meeting held in Townsville last month.

The raffle made $14,000, and the proceeds have been split between the Leukaemia Foundation and another charity.

National President of the Ulysses Club Kim Kennerson said the social nature of the club, which is the biggest motorcycle club in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world, puts it in a good position to contribute to a number of charities.

Nina Field from the Leukaemia Foundation’s Wollongong office said when groups like the Ulysses Club throw in their lot with the Foundation they give more than just money.

“To us any kind of support we receive is more than welcome and we appreciate all the support we get, but for someone to be so supportive and stand behind us – it not only helps with the funds but (helps create) awareness,” she said.

Around 120 Illawarra residents are diagnosed with a form of leukaemia each year.

The disease often develops with little warning, requiring immediate, intensive and lengthy treatment and can develop in anyone at any time, regardless of age.

For many people living in regional and rural areas like Wollongong, diagnosis means they must move quickly to a capital city, possibly for several months.

This often means family members are forced to leave work, school and family commitments on very short notice.

Money donated to the Leukaemia Foundation goes toward supporting families who are dealing with the disease and towards research for a cure.