YMCA joins the White Ribbon Ride

Ric Odom, CEO YMCA New Zealand

The YMCA has supported White Ribbon Day in New Zealand for several years and all YMCAs are active in promoting the message and encouraging staff and members to wear a White Ribbon. Many YMCAs also put on special events to mark this occasion.

This year, some of the YMCA’s senior managers are also getting directly involved. YMCA New Zealand CEO Ric Odom, YMCA Hawke’s Bay CEO Peter Andersson and YMCA Auckland CEO John Fairhurst will be participating in the inaugural White Ribbon Ride this year. Ric and Peter will be riding from Wellington to Northland via separate routes and John plans to join them along the way.

All three are keen motorcyclists and see this as an opportunity to make a personal expression in support of the White Ribbon cause. John rides a Harley, Peter rides a BMW and Ric rides a Honda Gold Wing. Ric is also seeking sponsorship to raise money for Women’s Refuge.

Pete Andersson, CEO YMCA Hawkes Bay

White Ribbon Ride ’09 will travel in four groups along four routes from Wellington to Northland and one of the groups will stop at Tokoroa where the local YMCA has organised a small reception.