Proud Major Sponsor C2K 2023

Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride Secures Major Sponsor. The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride is excited to announce that Cardzilla has come on board as the major sponsor for the 2023 event.

Cardzilla has been a sponsor of the ride for the last four years and this year they have partnered with Smartech Business Systems to increase their support. Their contribution and sponsorship to the ongoing growth of the event ensures that the Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride continues to make a positive impact on the education of kids in remote regions that need to access distance education.

“We are very proud to be the major sponsors of the Cardzilla Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride 2023, with the support of Smartech Business Systems, and to continue to support this amazing cause. Over the years of being involved with this event we have seen the gratitude firsthand of the families that are the recipients of the fundraising and the impact it has on the education of their children that rely on distance education.” – said Mr. Steve Bates, Co-Owner Cardzilla.

The Cardzilla Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride is a 780km bucket list bike ride across the top of Australia. There are many unique aspects to the multi-day event including being predominantly volunteer based.

Initially called The Coast to Coast Bike Ride, it began through the Cairns School of Distance Education P&C Association in 1997 to originally address the need to build a multi-purpose activity centre for the school site in Cairns.

Early in the life of the event the decision was made to spread the benefits of funds raised to include many communities and organizations across the North Queensland region. The main criteria involved the benefits being focused on supporting and benefiting children who live in the remote rural areas of the region. Today beneficiaries include Cairns School of Distance Education, P&Cs of primary schools – including Mt Garnet, Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton, and Karumba as well as child care centres, sports associations, and more than due to their remote location cannot hold annual fetes for fundraising.

The funds from the ride have supported the introduction of telephone bridging into schools and stations and a much improved and very reliable communication system for students to undertake classes. This includes core school subjects, languages, and special activities such as the school

Eisteddfod, Scouts as well as instrumental music. Schools including Mt Garnet, Mt Surprise, Georgetown, Croydon, Normanton and Karumba as well as other organisations receiving funds have purchased sporting equipment, shade on play areas, technology, computer and software packages, educational trips, swimming pool equipment, medical equipment, buildings and more.

“Smartech has partnered with Cardzilla, one of our larger clients, as we believe the opportunity to give back to community, especially in the development of children, is important and we could see the enthusiasm the guys from Cardzilla had for the ride and cause. We wish you all the best.” -Vincent Nair, CEO, Smartech Business Systems.”

The Cardzilla Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride (C2K) is a 7-day, charity bike ride that is in its 26th year and involves over 250 participants each year.

Registrations are now open and riders have until 31 May 2023 to secure their place in the event. The ride dates are from 24 to 30 June and riders who register before 1 May will be guaranteed their preferred jersey size.

Registration - C2K2023 - C2K Bike Ride

“It is wonderful to have the support of the business community to ensure the continuity of this charity event. No matter where you live, access to quality education should always be a priority for everyone. We are very excited and grateful to have Cardzilla as our major sponsor for this year’s event.” – said Ms. Helena McInnes, Bike Ride Coordinator.

The Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors for their support of the event. Without their help, the event would not be possible. If you would like your business to get involved, please contact Helena.

Helena McInnes
Ride Coordinator – 0439 993 706
helena@c2kbikeride.com.au