Money raised from the Flip Flop 50 will help support children in Zambia have access to a quality education. Photos: Supplied.
BY ASHLEIGH HOWARTH
A new cycling event across Cleveland and North Stradbroke Island is aiming to turn pedal power into educational opportunities for vulnerable children in southern Africa, with organisers hoping to raise $10,000.
The inaugural Flip Flop 50 will see participants enjoy a scenic 50km ride from the Cleveland Train Station to the ferry terminal, where after arriving on Straddie, they will then ride to Point Lookout before swapping their cycling shoes for flip-flops to walk the scenic 1.2km boardwalk along the cliffs. After a sausage sizzle lunch, the group will then return to the mainland.
Hosted by the not-for-profit organisation Eagles Wings, volunteer Tiffany Sharp said the event was a fun and easy way for people to support quality education for kids in one of Zambia’s poorest communities.
“The school we support was founded 20 years ago and is run by Zambians in Zambia, but with funding and guidance from a volunteer board in Australia,” she said.
“The school is in a very poor area where families are unlikely to earn over $2 a day, so for families to be able to send a child to school is nearly impossible without this funding.
“To support one child per month in school is around $25, so with the goal of raising $10,000, we will be able to cover the schooling fees for the new grade one class of 2027.”
Through the generosity of others, Tiffany said the school is already seeing positive changes in the community.
“Children who attend school are more likely to avoid teenage pregnancies and be able to find work, which means they can then support their families as they grow older,” she said.
“We’re now seeing generational change where past students have graduated from university and are back in the community as teachers, nurses and administrators, keen to influence the next generation.”
While the organisation hosts multiple events across the country, starting a new fundraising day in The Redlands was important to the organisation.
“North Stradbroke Island is an absolutely stunning place to run an event, and since our postal address is based in the Redlands area, it made sense to host an event here,” she said.
Entry is $50 per person, which covers insurance, a ride leader and the sausage sizzle, with each participant also encouraged to raise or donate $50, which is tax deductable.
The day will begin at the Cleveland Train Station at 7:00am and finish at 5:30pm.
To register, visit https://ew.org.au/adventure/flip-flop-50/
