THEIR watchwords being ‘Riding with the spirit of friendship for the spirit of charity’, Doranai Champion Riders raised $240,000 and handed the sum to Help and Shelter (H&S) at Georgetown Club, in Camp Street, on Monday.

‘SPIRIT OF CHARITY’: Help and Shelter Chairperson Ms. Denise Dias receives the ‘symbolic’cheque for $240,000 from a member of the Doranai Champion Riders team in the presence of fellow cyclists (right) and representatives of H&S (left). At centre (in blue shirt) is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Beharry Company Mr. Anand Beharry. (Adrian Narine photo)

The money was earned by 12 cyclists who rode 120 miles, from Georgetown to Charity on Essequibo Coast in a day, with sponsorship from Edward B. Beharry and Co. Ltd, at $2,000 per mile,

During their journey, they distributed brochures on domestic violence and the assistance offered by H&S to promote increased awareness of the problem.

Help and Shelter, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) was founded in 1995 to campaign against all types of violence, especially domestic and sexual violence and child abuse.

Its mission is to work towards the elimination of violence in all forms by helping to create a society where attitudes to the use of it and the practices have been transformed, through counselling, public education and advocacy and maintaining a shelter for abused women and children.

H&S has advocated and continues to advocate for relevant legislative changes, too.

Towards that objective, the cyclists concurred that it was a great way to make others aware of the cause of battered women and children.

One member of the cycling group, Mr. Keith Fernandes said they usually ride for fun and exercise but decided to aid the H&S better cause.

“If, by riding, we help raise funds or give out brochures that can help one woman escape domestic violence, it would be worth the effort,” he remarked.

Another cyclist, Mr. Peter De Groot said it was an opportunity to ride with his son, 18-year-old Mr. Raphael De Groot, the youngest amongst them, as well as contribute to a worthy venture.

“The camaraderie of being in a group is important but what is more important is to help a group like Help and Shelter to continue its work in an area that needs attention,” the older De Groot said.

H&S Chairperson, Ms. Denise Dias, expressing her gratitude for the donation, lauded the contribution made by men to oppose domestic violence, particularly perpetrated against women by their male counterparts.

She said funds are much needed to prolong the work of the NGO and assist with some expenses for renovating the Homestretch Avenue facility, also in Georgetown, which was recently damaged by fire.

Dias said the latest initiative sends a message to all young and older men that domestic violence is wrong and urges others to get involved.

The Beharry Company is a proud supporter of H&S and Chairman of its Board of Directors, Mr. Anand Beharry pledged to be continuously supportive of the drive.

He commented that the cyclists are dedicated and he was pleased to be a supporter of such a good undertaking.