Trader’s Thai test of endurance

PROMINENT Dandenong accountant Roy Sanderson inspired retailers with the tale of his bike ride through Thailand at this week’s Dandenong Retail Traders’ Association (DRTA) general meeting.
The meeting was held on Tuesday 1 April at 6pm at the President’s Room at The Grand, Thomas Street, Dandenong.
Mr Sanderson told retailers about his enduring 10-day journey that proved both emotionally and physically draining.
After hearing that the Shrine of Remembrance was organising a bike ride through Thailand as a fundraiser for the shrine’s Education Centre, Mr Sanderson and some colleagues organised a small gathering to see if they could round up enough support for the venture. They had to pay for their own transport and accommodation, and, on top of that, they had to raise $5000 each from the community to be eligible to complete the ride.
With the motivation of raising money for the shrine, they embarked on a 415-kilometre ride over 10 days, the distance being the same as total length of the Burma railway line built by prisoners of war in the early 1940s.
The trip included an emotional service at Hellfire Pass, where the riders paid tribute to local legend, the late Bill Toon.
DRTA chairman Roy Aspinall said Mr Sanderson’s story fascinated those in attendance.
“Roy Sanderson and his colleagues spent much of last year raising money from the community to undertake this venture,” Mr Aspinall said.
“They also underwent a tough fitness regime and in the process found out a great deal about themselves.”
Retailers who aren’t members of the DRTA should contact Roy Aspinall for membership details on 9793 3487.
DRTA membership introduces you to a strong and friendly network of central Dandenong retailers, where tips can be exchanged and any issues discussed and dealt with collectively.
The DRTA also holds annual awards for excellence in retail, and at its monthly meetings has representatives from Victoria Police and VicUrban on hand for the latest information on developments within the city.