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Supporter Spotlight: Terry Portelli

11 Jun 2026
When Terry Portelli was first introduced to the Hands ride through OYOB, his reaction was simple:

"No chance — you're both crazy."

What started as hesitation quickly became a decision that changed his perspective and led to years of involvement with Hands Across the Water.
Favourite Hands Memory:

There are so many great memories from the rides over the years, but the moments that stay with me most are arriving at the homes and seeing the joy on the children's faces. It's incredibly powerful.

That's when it really hits you — you're not just raising money; you're making a genuine difference in their lives. Not only through the funds raised, but also by showing them that people care enough to get on a bike, ride more than 500 kilometres, and challenge themselves for a cause bigger than themselves.
That connection and sense of purpose is something I'll always hold onto.
Top Tips for Fundraising:

Start with the people closest to you and don't be afraid to reach out more broadly. The key is being clear about why you're doing the ride and communicating that honestly.

Whether your motivation is personal or simply a desire to create better opportunities for children and families who need support, people respond to authenticity. If they can feel your passion and understand your reason, they're far more likely to get behind you and support the cause.
Favourite Quote:

On the rides, you often see what look like daunting hills in the distance. But when you actually get there, they're never as bad as you've built them up to be.

It's a good reminder for life as well. We often overthink things and make challenges seem bigger in our minds than they really are.

The quote I always come back to is:

"Don't ride the hills before you get to them."

How you became involved with Hands & your ongoing involvement:

I was introduced to the ride through OYOB by Michael Mammasis and Mary Ignatidis. At the time, I'd only recently met them after being appointed to market a residential project with them in Deanside.

They mentioned a 500-kilometre ride in Thailand over five days, and my first reaction was pretty simple — no chance, and you're both crazy.

They convinced me to give it a go, and I'm very glad they did.

Since then, I've completed three rides, and for the past two I've been involved as both Ride Lead and a major sponsor. This year will be my fourth ride and my third as Ride Lead.

It's genuinely been a life-changing experience, both personally and professionally, and something I'm incredibly proud to be part of.

Final Thoughts on the Ride:

It can feel a little daunting at the start, but the reward you get from being part of the ride is hard to put into words.

Yes, you're helping create meaningful outcomes for the children and communities supported by Hands Across the Water, but the experience also has a lasting impact on you. There's a real sense of achievement that comes from completing the ride, and it gives you confidence that you can take on challenges you may never have thought possible.

On top of that, you build genuine, long-lasting friendships and create memories that stay with you long after the ride is over.


Name of Ride Experience Completed:
OYOB Ride – 2022
Red23 Ride to Provide – 2024 
Red23 Ride to Provide  - 2025


Fundraising Total for Hands
Approximately $30,000 personally raised.
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