I am raising money to support the children of Hands Across the Water because I believe that all children deserve to build a future full of possibilities, opportunities and dreams - a life of choice, not chance.
Hands Across the Water [Hands] started as a charity in response to the Boxing Day Tsunami. Now we support 350+ children living in 7 homes and projects across Thailand.
The kids who come to live in a Hands home are there because they have no choice. This is often the result of one of three heartbreaking situations:
- They have no known family to care for them
- They have a family member who is known to them, but is unable to care for them
- They are living in an unsafe environment and have been placed in our care by the police or government
Hands not only provides the life-saving necessities for the kids in our homes, they also support many families in an outreach program to help keep kids out of our homes.
Just as important as filling their bellies with healthy food and providing a safe bed to sleep in, with the support of amazing donors like you, the vision of Hands is to help these kids see the opportunities that lie before them, to see a life of choice.
My hope is that you will make the choice to join me in this experience and help me reach my personal fundraising goal. Please make a donation today to support these children and provide them with a better future.
Together we can truly make a difference - Donate now!
My Achievements
Updated Profile
Shared page
Received first donation
Reached 50% of Fundraising Goal
Reached 100% of Fundraising Goal
My Updates
Back in the Saddle: Miles of Smiles, Big Goals & Even Bigger Heart
Monday 23rd MarThere’s something powerful about doing something that stretches you … especially when it’s for a cause that truly matters.
I’m currently in training as part of the “Miles for Smiles” team, alongside the incredible Anne Donchos, Lisa Grey and Nicole Johnston. We’re proudly led by our amazing Team Captain, Dana Walton, who has been instrumental in coordinating our team fundraising and keeping us all connected and motivated along the way.
Getting back on a bike for the first time in many, many years has been … humbling, to say the least!
Our first team training ride, just over 20km around bayside Melbourne, was scenic but tough. The views were beautiful, but my body definitely felt it. Every hill, every headwind, every kilometre reminded me just how long it had been.
But then came ride number two … 50km along the Warburton Rail Trail. Absolutely stunning, but a real challenge. There were moments I felt completely stretched, questioning whether I had it in me to keep going. And yet, crossing that finish line, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride.
What’s made all the difference? The team.
I genuinely couldn’t have made it through either ride without the encouragement, support and practical help from these incredible humans. From sharing tips and tricks, to adjusting seat heights and gears, to simply riding alongside me and keeping me going, it’s been the ultimate reminder that we are always stronger together.
In between, it’s been about the small, consistent rides. Building time in the saddle. Showing up. Getting a little bit stronger each time.
This journey is about so much more than the kilometres. It’s about pushing past comfort zones, backing yourself, and doing it alongside people who lift you up.
More to come … 🚴♀️💙
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$527.50
Matt Mckenzie
$178.53
Varsha Daswani
Great work beautiful xx
$178.53
Travis Whelan
You Go my girl! Backing you all the way!!!! - Trav
$114.35
Jake Caine
Good on you Rach!
$114.35
Kando Martial Arts
Keep up the great work Legend!
$114.35
Anonymous
$106.75
Amy Blackburn
$106.12
Sophie Mckenzie
$106.12
Shelley Wright
You are truly amazing Rachel.
$106.12
David Phillips
Congrats Rach, on lending a helping hand while stretching your limits. You’ll handle it in the same manner you have every other challenge, head on.
$106.12
Ashleigh Goodchild
Well done Rach
$106.12
Michelle
🚴♀️ So inspiring Rachel. Cheering you all the way cuz! X
$106.12
Adam Fiteni
Proud of you Rach, such a great cause.
$100
Kallista Tzirvelakis
Behind you all the way xx
$87.57
Mark Boon
$87.57
Betty Giovas
Love how you give so much to our industry and outside Rach! I’ll be cheering you on from afar, good luck!
$62.24
Mark Boon
$54.84
Joe Shannon
Such an amazing cause, you are a legend Rachel!
$54.84
Kirk Stafford
$54.84
Danni Cargill
Good luck on this journey Rachel and team. You'll make a huge difference to so many people's lives.
$54.12
Irene Limnios
Such a massive challenge for a brilliant cause. Ride strong Rach!
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Anonymous
$54.12
Nicole
You go girl - amazing and wonderful woman
$54.12
Wendy
Go Bruiser!! Can’t wait to hear about your journey! Have fun in the saddle doing something amazing beautiful human ❤️
$54.12
Brad Kelly
Well done gorgeous. XO
$43.60
Anonymous
$43.60
Yes
$36.27
Kylie Smart
Great work Rachel - You GO GIRL!!!! Congrats on all of your hard work.
$36.27
Yolanda
You got this, Rach!!!!!!
$35.48
Kat ✨
I love that you are expanding yourself in such a positive impactful way! Great cause ❤️
$22.58
Belinda Materoa
Well done lovely 🥰 what a great opportunity
$22.58
Tara Farley
go rach!!!
$20
Trav Whelan
$17.16
Matt C
Good on ya 👍👍
$11.80
Anonymous
$11.65
Jenni Wood
All the best with your fundraising Rachel. All the very best for a fantastic cycling adventure.
$11.65
Good on you Rach for undertaking this very worthy cause. I’ve no doubt it will be an incredible experience for you and a rewarding journey of person growth. Good luck. Love Matt and Caz