Riding On Report Spring 2024

Things have developed quite excitingly since my winter Riding On report regarding the Cash for Cans scheme and the UCARF Ride for Rheumatoid Arthritis Research.

With great persistence, Lyn and John Tout have finally introduced UCARF as a donation charity into the three Eastern States of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. This allows members and Branches to deposit directly into the UCARF Bank Account, something that had been elusive to do previously. To donate your refund from your cans and bottles, there are two methods that can be used. Locate your nearest deposit location. You can either download the relevant app to your phone and click on the donate button, search for Ulysses – it will come up with UCARF – Rheumatoid Arthritis Research and set it as your payment method or go to the deposit centre and click on the donate button, search for Ulysses and again it will come up with UCARF – Rheumatoid Arthritis Research, select and then deposit the cans/bottles. Funds will then be deposited into the UCARF bank account. If you wish to be acknowledged for your deposit, send your name, date of deposit and location to the treasurer@ulysses.org.au. Full details how to deposit will be available on the Ulysses website or on the ucarf.com website.

Lyn has advised that emails to describe cash for cans was sent to each member from the involved states. The downside was that over sixty emails were returned as not received. A follow up text message was sent to those messages. The upside is that if you did not receive an email, it may indicate you need to update your contact details with the National Admin Office or National Secretary.

The inaugural UCARF Ride for Rheumatoid Arthritis Research being organised by Rob Hunt has now entered the full planning stage. Check out Rob Hunt’s report on the details and how you can become involved. TedE and I are very jealous as we are a bit far away living in the West to be involved in the ride this time.

My Winter Report had an editor update that we had actually signed a 4-year Gift Agreement with Rheumatology Group at Monash University. I can now advise that UCARF has made the first payment to the Rheumatoid Research Section of Monash University for the sponsorship of a PhD Student. The following is an excerpt from the thank you letter from Prof Eric Morand, Dean.

“By investing in the future of arthritis research, the Ulysses Club is directly contributing to the development of improved treatments and the potential discovery of a cure. This work has the power to transform the lives of millions who suffer from this chronic inflammatory disorder, offering them hope for a healthier, more active future.

Supporting graduate research is essential in driving innovation and scientific progress. The Ulysses Club’s generosity enables our student, Mr Bailey Slyp, to focus wholeheartedly on his research without the overwhelming burden of financial concerns. This freedom allows him to dedicate his time and energy to exploring new ideas and making significant strides in his field, under the leadership of Associate Professor Sarah Jones.”

The NatCom committee are still working to develop an agreement with the Sutton Group at the Sydney University.

Thanks to the Admin Enquires staff for updating and sending me the UCARF Donations Running Tally for June, July and August:

Macarthur Branch, Mornington Branch, Yarra Rangers Branch, SEQ Cartwheel Ride, Canberra Branch, Upper Hunter Branch, Mallee Branch, Werribee Branch, Wagga Wagga Branch.

We again thank a donation from David Smith. Donations for this period were over $7600.

TedE and I are looking forward to hopefully seeing lots of donations from the recycling of cans and bottles expanding the UCARF bank account.

Ken and TedE
UCARF Coordinator,
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