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
Day 1 - Hua Hin to Kui Buri, 88km - Hands Across The Water Update
Friday 19th Apr
Thanks to all of my supporters: Ross S, Paul T, David P, John & Mimi, Mum (Sandra), Madlen, Kate, Annette, Stuart & Sonja, Louise, Paula & Denis, Kris O, Manjit S, Dave M, Dylan C, Edna, Angela & Dave, Louise L, Marie B, Jeff B, Tim & Jen, Moana R, Stacey, Jane H, Lynda H, Dave R, Frances C, Marguerite H, Rene H, Kimon K and a few anonymous contributors (thank you).
Day one was flat, very hot and windy! We left out hotel at about 7:10am and initially I was hovering around the back of the pack, trying to get a feel on how things would play out. Clearly some needed some extra training, but through sheer grit and perseverance, almost everyone pushed through and made it.
Towards the end, I found myself going back to the rear of the group, giving them moral support and physical support (even physically pushing the odd person along the way).
We finished the afternoon in the pool playing a bit of catch with a Frisbee and a couple of skimmer balls.
Dinner time was a lot of fun, we had local foods that included rice, chicken, fish, and pan fried veggies.
After dinner we celebrated the day with a series of "woodie awards";
1) The wooden roller for someone who needed physical help;
2) The Owl for a word of wisdom you have received;
3) The Elephant for strength;
4) The strongman for being a hero to others.
I am blessed to say after Day 1, I was nominated and was recognised with JC for the strongman award for being a hero to others at the back of the pack and helping people physically and emotionally get the the end and complete the ride.
Finally, its not too late to support our ride, we are trying to raise $400,000 as a group.
Your donation will help hundreds of kids and communities in Thailand to have a home where they are safe and can be raised to become healthy contributors to their local community.
#handsacrossthewater #bbpride2024 #CharityBikeRide
Day 2 post coming soon!
ShareThank you to my Sponsors
$520
Manjit Sadhwani
$514.55
Kimon Kalligas
Let's go Russ. You got this!
$501
Talkshop Speech Pathology
Russ, we adore you and your heart is the most generous and open of anyone I know. You’re an action taker and you live your life uplifting others. When the ride is tough, be encouraged and that what you’re doing is is enriching many who will really appreciate your help. We’re sending our little bit to help u help them. Love Mimi and John xxx
$418
Kris Ohalloran
Go Russ, enjoy your training in prep for the big ride
$316.50
Anonymous
$278.52
Dave Meney
See you on the ride, Russ!
$278.52
Ross Scacco
Well done 👏 Russ
$263.75
Paul Topy
Well done Russ
$259.53
Louise Lucas
Well done Russ - great effort.
$211
Jeff Banks
Thanks for all your help
$211
Fluffy Crunch
$211
Temple Skincare & Spa
Great human. Thank you for your help
$201
Bibby Family
Go Chief!!! From Jayden & Nate
$171.60
Frances Cosway
All the best with the ride Russ. Thanks for all your business advice and support to date.
$113.94
Sandra Porteous
$111
Madlen Altstaedt
The donation is only a fraction of the value that I put on every minute I hang out with you. I am excited to do the bike ride with you and I am grateful for all your advice about bike riding. Thank you
$105.50
Jane Hamilton
Well done Happy training
$105.50
Stuart & Sonja
Great initiative Russ. Cheering you on!
$105.50
Marie Belfiore
Hi Russ, well done !
$105.50
Chris Quonoey
$105.50
Vivacity Coaching & Consulting
Well done Russ!!
$104
Lynda Holt
Good Luck Russ!!!
$100
Annette Langdon
Amazing purpose from a unique and caring man
$100
Paula & Denis
Good luck and have a wonderful time.xx
$100
Louise
I’ll see you over there Russ.
$86.51
Dave Richards
Thanks for your notation of timely tech
$86.51
Louise Lucas
Keep at it Russ - there is no stopping you!
$52.75
Kaz Snd Tony
Well done!!!
$52.75
Tim And Jen Ower
Go Russ, good luck with your ride and thank you so much for your links!! Tim and Jen
$52.75
Matt Murphy
Well done Russ! Brilliant effort for a great cause. Hope your leg heals well and you’re back on your feet in no time.
$52.75
Kate
Well done Russell looks like a wonderful charity
$52.75
Governance Professional On Call
Go Russ go! You are doing a great job for a great cause! Thank you.
$52.75
David Perry And Family
$52.75
Dylan Carey
Good work Russ, keep it up!
$34.81
Stacey
$21.10
Moana Robinson
Thank you Russ for your Timely Tech notes - very much appreciated Best of luck for the ride!
$21
