Fundraiser Profiles

Rebecca Bavister

How many MS Horserides have you participated in?

Ten. I have only missed one ride because of the Olympic Games. Not always on the same horse though, they take it in turns.

What is your favourite part about the MS Horseride?

I love the social side of the ride and the catching up with people that I haven't seen for a year. I love the fact that even though I haven't seen them for 51 weeks of the year, all that time just disappears the minute I see these people. They are like another family and I would be lost without my yearly fix of catching up with people like Jeremy, JD, Debbie(David), Billy Croll, Karl and all the other pieces of furniture that have been collected over the years.

What aspect did you enjoy the most about the week away?

Exploring a new part of the world the best way possible - on horseback. I also love the fact that there is no TV, no newspapers or any real contact with the outside world. I also love the fact that someone else does the cooking and washing up!!!

How did you find the whole experience of fundraising?

I love fundraising and find my most effective method is selling raffle tickets - lots and lots of them!!! I have a little competition with myself every year to beat last year's total.

Why do you support MS Australia?

I kind of fell into it to be honest - I initially started going on the rides for an adventure with my best friend (the horse), and saw the amazing work that can be achieved with just a little bit of money. I also saw how insidious Multiple Sclerosis is - striking people in the primes of their lives.

Will you and Cookies 'n' Cream be back again this year for the 2009 ride?

Unless the sky falls in and the gates of hell are opened, Cookie and I will be at Cassilis with bells on. Just look for the overgrown Dalmatian dog that looks kind of like a horse.

Gwen Lansbury

How many MS Horserides have you participated in?

I have been on 10 MS horse rides on 3 different horses and we completed the full distance each time without any mishaps. I always do the longest routes and never have a day off as I don't want to miss out on any of the wonderful countryside.

What is your favourite part about the MS Horseride?

I have many favourite parts of the ride - meeting like-minded people who love riding and enjoy nature and camping in the bush. I also gain so much from speaking with people who are very knowledgeable on horse care as I owned my first horse at 45 years so had a lot to learn.

What aspect did you enjoy the most about the week away?

I love the opportunity to see new and beautiful countryside that I would not normally have access to. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life whom I would not normally meet. It is wonderful to meet up with everyone again at the next year's ride. The MS ride becomes quite an addiction - I plan my year around it! I have been very disappointed when I couldn't go on the years that I have missed. I love having an objective to aim for, to train up my horse in the weeks before. I love to be able to ride all day, come home to our campsite, have a hot shower and have a delicious meal served and have enjoyable company - it is a true holiday.

How did you find the whole experience of fundraising?

I don't like asking people for money but they are so intrigued/amused that an 'old' lady like me (62 years) should be horseriding that they are happy to donate. I raise most of my money (I always have the objective of $2,000) by 'nagging' my friends and anyone else I meet during that time, I 'pounce' on them. I carry my donation receipt book with me just in case I need it. I send out emails to all my friends and they find it hard to say 'No'! With the online system it has been much easier for my sponsors. I also sell raffle tickets to people at my golf club and other social occasions.

Why do you support MS Australia?

I support MS Australia because I see it as a very credible organisation where the money raised goes directly to people with MS. The least I can do is to put work into raising money for those who have to have the disease in return for me having a great holiday with my horse. As a retired physiotherapist, I have met a number of people who have the disease.

Will you and Bahloo be back again this year for the 2009 ride?

My horse, Bahloo and I will certainly be going on the 2009 MS ride. We wouldn't miss it for anything!

Tony Hart

How many MS Horserides have you participated in?

I have completed four MS Rides - Willawarren, Cobark, Chaffey Dam and last year's at Gobarralong.

What is your favourite part about the MS Horseride?

All have been wonderful experiences. It's great to catch-up with friends who you don't see for 12 months, and spend a week enjoying their company whilst participating in your passion of horse riding.

What aspect did you enjoy the most about the week away?

The week is a fun-filled one, recommended to all. Great food, great riding country, great entertainment all enjoyed with fantastic people.

How did you find the whole experience of fundraising?

Fundraising to me is relatively simple because of the great cause it supports. I simply advise my colleagues of what I am doing and if they would like they can sponsor me. Having my own webpage on the MS Horseride website is a great way to write a story about the event.

Why do you support MS Australia?

I think it's a great worthwhile cause to support.

Will you and Rusty be back again this year for the 2009 ride?

I am going to do my best to attend the 2009 event. Fingers crossed!

Sandy Mander

How many MS Horserides have you participated in?

I have been on three MS Horserides, the last three and had I known about it before I would have been on many more.

What is your favourite part about the MS Horseride?

The MS horseride was a wonderful opportunity for me to have a holiday that was all my own, doing the activity I love the most and sharing it with friends. My first ride arose when an old friend from South Australia, whom I hadn't seen for about 8 years, contacted me and suggested I join in. At first I was hesitant, thinking that both me and my horse (Hogues) wouldn't be up to it. However, at the urging of my family and friends I did take part and had one of the best experiences of my life, just living with my horse and spending my whole day focused on riding. After that I was hooked.

How did you find the whole experience of fundraising?

The first year was a challenge because I didn't know how to start and I was reluctant to ask friends and associated to contribute. However, subsequent years became easier when I realised that being told "no" wasn't so painful and then I found less people said no. I felt confident that the cause was a valid one and my donors recognised this. I sold raffle tickets but most of my funds came from donations. I used the MS website donors page to great advantage and kept sending updates on our preparation for the ride. My husband is also involved in the sport of gliding and I used those contacts as well. I gave short speeches about MS and the aims of the ride at the competitions we attended and most of my funds came from donations following that, so I have to thank my husband and the gliding movement in Australia.

Why do you support MS Australia?

Until I went on the ride I'd never met anyone with MS and only knew about it from the school read-a-thons. I used to spread my charitable giving around, a bit here and there, but decided a few years ago to focus on just a few, to try to make the benefits more palpable. The MS Society, by organising the ride, gave me a vehicle to be involved and to get some enjoyment for me as well. Since then, I've become more knowledgeable and just feel it's a good thing to be involved in.

Will you and Bravo be back again this year for the 2009 ride?

Bravo and I would love to be involved in the 2009 Horseride and he is in work now to keep fit and be ready. I'll be trying my best to make it. Wish me luck!