By Nicole Williams
DANDENONG coppers have been doing it for the kids.
Dandenong Police Station’s cycling club has ridden the Murray to Moyne Team Cycle Relay Event for the last three years and all their hard work paid off on Friday when they presented Dandenong Hospital with a cheque for $27,200 at a special morning tea.
Detective Senior Constable Russell Church said it was a good opportunity to stay fit and bond with workmates, but the ride was really for the hospital.
“Everybody that rides is a police officer from our station,” he said.
“We have a fantastic time away, we work pretty hard but the main thing is raising funds for the hospital.”
Det Sen Const Church said the Dandenong Police station had a fantastic partnership with the Dandenong Hospital and the donation was only a small part.
“We have a lot of victims and other people we come in contact with who require hospitalisation,” he said.
“Most of us on the rise have kids so we decided to raise funds for the children’s ward.”
Andrew Williamson, Southern Health’s Executive Director of Public Affairs, said the hospital was thrilled with the support.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the generous support of Dandenong police towards to Monash Children’s Ward and Dandenong Hospital,” Mr Williamson said.
“Their energy and enthusiasm has raised over $27,000 towards equipment for the ward over recent years.”
For the ride in April, the team raised over $10,000 and with more riders joining in the ranks each year, Det Sen Const Church hoped the cycling team would continue.
“We’re starting to ramp things up for 2012,” he said.
“Next year, we’ll have 21 riders and five support crew.”
