IN a competitive field of charity causes, it seems the Santos Great Bike Ride has been a case of the right event at the right time.
The profile of cycling has reached record highs in recent times, and more than 1,000 participants and 50 volunteers supported the event in its first year, 2004.
It has grown every year since, with 5,000 riders and 300 volunteers last year.
Initially, event host The Rotary Club of Perth dedicated the St John of God Foundation Horizon House Project as the sole beneficiary of proceeds. After two years, however, other charities were involved.
Since 2008, St John of God Foundation has partnered with Hope for Children and The Heart Foundation to run the administrative side of the event, and all charities receive donations from the events proceeds.
The event will be on November 21 this year and, for the first time, entrants will be exempt from having to pay entry fees if they fundraise instead.
Other businesses supporting the event are KPMG, NAB and web consulting company Intertec.