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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 September 2008

'HOT' COUNTRY BUILDERS DOWN TOOLS
FOR 2600 km CHARITY BIKE RIDE

A group of Victorian builders, known as the 'Hot Chippies', will ride a massive 2600 km from Alexandra in Victoria to Townsville in Queensland to raise money for children with cystic fibrosis.
The idea is the brainchild of Steven & Sharon Hedger, owners of a local building company. Sharon's sister succumbed to the disease at 17years of age. This struck a chord with the builders, giving cause to the fundraising effort.
The Hot Chippies will mount ordinary 'postie' bikes for the nine-day journey in October. They hope to raise a total of $65,000.
So far, the beefy builders have raised close to $54,000 for research into the disease, giving up their evenings and weekends to attend fairs, trivia nights and bowling club events in their local areas.
"It's such as worthy cause," said Sharon today. "Children and adults with CF and their families face considerable financial, practical and emotional challenges. We want to raise awareness and to help find a cure so that others don't have to go through what we've been through."
Cystic fibrosis is the most common, life-threatening illness affecting Australian children. It is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines and causes progressive disability.
There is no cure for CF, and most individuals with cystic fibrosis die in their 20s and 30s, usually from lung failure. However, improvements in treatment are increasing and average life expectancy is now 38 years.
All money raised by the Hot Chippies will be given to the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust to help find a cure for the disease. They encourage anyone who would like to sponsor a bike or make a donation to call Sharon on 0409 105 613.
CONTACT DETAILS
Sharon Hedger, Hedger Constructions Pty Ltd
PO Box 343Alexandra 3714
Tel: 03 5772 2750 Fax: 03 5772 1778
www.hotchippies.com

HOT BUILDERS TAKE TO THE TOOLS AT THE ALEXANDRA SHOW
FOR KIDS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

The Hot Chippies, a group of builders with hearts of gold, appeared at the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show on Sunday. The boys gave up their long weekend to promote sponsorship of their massive 2600 km 'Postie Bike Ride' in October.
Aiming to raise awareness of the plight of kids with cystic fibrosis, the Hot Chippies, employees of Hedger Constructions, promoted the long distance bike ride by manning a stall alongside the Makita Tool Truck.
The postie bikes that will be used on the nine-day journey from Eildon to Townsville were onsite as well, attracting much attention.
"It's hard to believe our guys will be making the trip on these bikes, which are not really built for endurance," said Hot Chippies' organiser Sharon Hedger today. "But it's all in the name of charity."
Business at the Hot Chippie stall was predictably brisk, with the Chippies working hard to supply fairy floss, popcorn and Hot Chippies stubby holders and caps to enthusiastic locals who were happy to give generously to the cause. Over $2600 was raised on the day.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common, life-threatening genetic illness affecting Australian children. It is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs, liver, pancreas, and intestines and causes progressive disability.
There is no cure for CF, and most individuals with cystic fibrosis die in their 20s and 30s, usually from lung failure. However, improvements in treatment continue to increase, and average life expectancy is now 38 years.
Sharon Hedger has first hand knowledge of the disease. Her sister Michelle died from CF at age 17. "It's such as worthy cause," said Sharon today. "Children and adults with CF and their families face considerable financial, practical and emotional challenges. We want to help find a cure so others don't have to go through what we've been through."
So far, the Hot Chippies have raised $35,000. They would like to raise $65,000 to support the Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust in finding a cure. A child once pronounced Cystic Fibrosis as "Sixty Five Roses" so we think the 65 is quite a significant amount to aim for. They encourage anyone who would like to sponsor a bike or make a donation to call 5772 2750