Southern Ports supports Foodbank Albany with donation match for Tour of Albany open road cycle ride

A Southern Ports pledge to an open road cycle event later this month has meant that Foodbank Albany will have double the funds to help feed people doing it tough in the Great Southern.

The ports authority promised to match any donations made to the Tour of Albany cycle event in the lead up from April 30 to May 7.

Run by Perth Integrated Events Team, the open road event, which will take place on Saturday May 24, is now in its seventh year.

The 2025 event is the first time Foodbank Albany has been supported, with the proceeds usually donated to MSWA.

Foodbank WA chief executive Kate O’Hara said she is thrilled for Albany Foodbank to be chosen this year, in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that makes it harder for people to provide for their families.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling to put food on the table in the Great Southern,” she said.

“We are grateful for our strong partnerships, which recognise the crucial work Foodbank Albany does in the region and how they help to drive meaningful change.”

The Albany branch of Foodbank has provided the equivalent of 389,529 meals by distributing 216,189kg of food to vulnerable people this financial year and supports school breakfast programs, charity partners and a mobile Foodbank van.

More than $2000 — the equivalent of 4180 meals — has been raised for the charity as of May 7.

Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said the campaign is an extension of the organisation’s formal 12-month support partnership, inked in June 2023.

“I’m thrilled we could extend our long-standing support of Foodbank for the Tour of Albany’s matched giving campaign from April 30 to May 7, 2025,” he said.

“I know the funds raised will deliver a positive and lasting impact for those needing emergency food relief across the Great Southern region.”

The Tour consists of three lengths cyclists can chosen from — Piccolo 40km, Medio 88km and Gran 140km — beginning at Emu Point, through the outer fringes of the city, and back along Frenchman’s Bay Road.

The Gran ride also includes the Lower Denmark Road towards Anvil Beach.

Donations can be made on the Raisely — Tour of Albany website.