The Family Centre will next weekend host their fourth annual Cycle for Change event, with cyclists pedalling across the Island to support the charities.

In addition to raising valuable funds for the Family Centre, the January 5 event is hoped to provide an opportunity for families to come together while promoting healthy living.

“We try to hold special events that bring families together for quality time,” said Martha Dismont, Family Centre executive director. “We also appreciate the opportunity to partner with companies that believe in the programs Family Centre offers.”

Elite cyclists, members of the Bermuda Bicycle Association and the Fat Tire Massive group, will begin in Dockyard with a 9.30am start and the family cycle ride is scheduled to begin at the Arboretum at 10am. Participants will travel a route through several parks and the Railway Trail, with the event concluding at Ferry Reach.

Participants will have to pay a registration fee of $20 in advance or $25 on the day, but the Family Centre is also asking that participating families and cyclists will make an effort to raise pledges in addition to the registration fee.

Registered riders will receive a backpack, T-shirt and a water bottle, while those who have raised more than $100 in pledges will also have their names entered in a draw for prizes.

There will be water stops and restrooms along the route, and riders will enjoy lemonade refreshments, food vendors and musical entertainment at the end of the course.

Antonia Holder, assistant vice president of development at Freisenbruch-Meyer, said the group is proud to be a sponsor for the event.

“We have a long-standing relationship with the charity and truly believe in their philanthropic mission to address family based problems with preventive programmes that ultimately break generational issues,” she said.

“Their Cycle for Change event is a timeless fundraiser that encourages the whole family to spend time together and we are excited to be a part of it.”

Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. All cyclists under the age of 18 must fill out a waiver and return it with the registration form. Registration and pledge forms are available from Family Centre, Winner’s Edge, and Bicycle Works or via e-mail at cycle@selectsitesgroup.com.

Registration packets will be available for collection from Freisenbruch-Meyer Group on January 3 between 10am to 3pm. The rain date for the Family Cycle Ride will be Saturday, January 11, but there is no rain date for the Elite Cycle Race.