ABOUT

Chain Reaction is not a mass-participation event; instead it concentrates on selected individuals who want the physical challenge. In return, they benefit from a valuable networking opportunities and the immense satisfaction of directly helping sick children.

Since its first ride in 2007 Chain Reaction has raised $43,289,430 on behalf of its charity partners.

The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation, ABN 71 790 713 995, is a registered Charitable Fund and is endorsed by the ATO as a Deductible Gift Recipient Charity.

WHO PARTICIPATES?

Riders usually tend to be senior executives and include Managing Directors, CEO’s, Partners and Directors of their respective organisations. Historically riders have come from the property, banking and finance and funds management industry and as such, the event offers a great networking opportunity for our industry leaders and an environment for client and staff engagement. Riders are selected on their fundraising ability, their ability to ride 1,000 kilometres in 6-7 days and equally as importantly their ability to integrate within the group.

HOW IS THE MONEY RAISED?

Riders and teams raise funds through a combination of corporate networking and personal fundraising by selling various levels of sponsorship on their jersey. In addition, jerseys similar to those in the Tour de France which are awarded on a daily basis can be sponsored by corporations wanting to support the event, in return helping to expand networks and create friendly competition between sponsors. Each rider makes a $2,500 – $3,000 upfront donation and is expected to use their personal networks to raise a minimum of $5,000 in personal donations.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

Money raised is used to support registered children’s (0 to 18 years) charities. Before the start of each ride, two major charity partners are selected as the recipients of the majority of funds raised. In addition a number of smaller donations are made to other children’s charities. Up to 10% of money raised may also be invested by the Foundation to create an income stream to cover its fixed costs.

OUR MISSION

Chain Reaction’s mission is to raise money for children’s charities through the running of challenging cycling events.

OUR VALUES

Chain Reaction recognises its responsibility to the greater community and believes that individuals working together can make a real difference to the lives of sick children and the charities that support them.

It challenges riders to use their standing in the business community and they are expected to use their networks to raise a pre-determined minimum amount in personal donations.

Riders and support crew participate in the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork and fun with each event completed as a group and not as a race.

OUR HISTORY

Chain Reaction was founded in 2007 by Berrick Wilson after his daughter Milla was rushed to hospital with a brain haemorrhage when she was 2 days old.

Over the weeks that Berrick and his wife Caroline spent at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the Monash Medical Centre, they benefitted from quality care and attention from all the medical staff. What was obvious from the experience was that even in Australia’s major capital cities, more can be done to help our sick children.

Photo: Berrick Wilson with his daughter Milla at the conclusion of the 2007 ride.

After Milla recovered fully, the experience drove Berrick to do something that would allow people in a similar position to himself to assist sick and hospitalised children. As a result Chain Reaction was founded.

Since 2007 Chain Reaction has conducted 51 rides across Australian and New Zealand.