Local Optician Kylie Malanka and her 12 year-old son Austin, raised around $800 for The Foundation Fighting Blindness.
The pair rode in the Cycle For Sight event last Sunday in Carp. Malanka works at the Prescott Optometric Centre and wanted to help people by linking what she does for a living with her hobbies. They set an initial goal of raising $500 this year and Malanka says being able to reach and go beyond that goal will affect future ride goals.
“That just kind of gave us the up for next year, our goal next year will be 800 (dollars) and hope to hit the thousand. It was a lot of fun.”
Instead of doing the 50 kilometre ride like they planned, they both ended up riding 110 kilometres. It took them six hours to complete the ride. Malanka says the route changed from previous years and Austin always wanted to do the longer ride. Malanka says the change in plans left Austin with an award.
“He was the youngest rider that day, but he’s also, they believe, the youngest to date to finish the 100 k.”
Malanka notes it was very emotional to have her son ride along with her in something they are very passionate about. She adds this will not be their last ride and thanks everyone that supported them.
There were 50 participants that day and raised over $40,000 altogether. More information about the foundation can be found here.
