Young man makes long journey to support refugees in Toowoomba

Ty Hodges might only be seven-years-old but the young lad has set himself a grown-up goal of riding 80km to raise money for families fleeing conflict.

Jy Hodges might only be seven-years-old but the young lad has set himself a grown-up goal of riding 80km to raise $500 for refugees.

He is preparing for the Bike to Belong event which will see participants complete the 80kms ride during Refugee Week.

You Belong charity supports refugees from war zones who have been resettled in Toowoomba.

“I’m riding my motorbike for refugees because everyone needs a safe home to live, and friends to play with,” he said.

Jy will be the youngest participant in the ride.

You Belong boss Rachael Carter said it was great to see such young man to his part to help people in need.

“Refugees have often escaped unimaginable horrors and often arrive in Australia with symptoms of post traumatic stress, and are then pressured to learn English, assimilate and get a job. It’s a huge effort for refugees to integrate and heal,” she said.

“We walk alongside families and individuals as they rebuild their lives here, we do welcome picnics, family home visits, English classes, and facilitate Post-Traumatic Growth programs. All this wouldn’t be possible without our amazing supporters like the Bike to Belong participants.”

Every $80 raised by Bike to Belong will sponsor a refugee child to complete our Post-Traumatic Growth program to support holistic wellbeing and a journey of hope.

For a donation of $250 a sewing machine can be purchased to provide vocational training and employment opportunities for refugee women in the community.

A donation of $500 enables a weekly English class to run for a school term. This class teaches vital conversational English language that will help new residents find work, get connected and start contributing to their new communities.

For a generous donation of $1500 you can sponsor a frontline mental health worker’s salary providing trauma care in an Iraqi or Ugandan refugee camp.

You can also sign up to Bike to Belong, from anywhere you live, and be part of the 80km challenge for 80 million displaced refugees.

Click here to register for the event go to or contact Tim Buxton on [e-mail]