FRANKY Fiumara will be on his bike for 24 hours straight in just a matter of days as he aims to raise as much money as possible for a small bushfire-affected community close to his heart.
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Mr Fiumara and his family have a long association with the south coast community of Malua Bay.
Many years ago, his nonno purchased a home in the small community and ever since the Fiumara clan has been heading to that town for family holidays, making precious memories along the way.
However, this year the idyllic community has suffered during what has been one of the country's worst bushfire seasons on record.
On New Year's Eve, the town's worst fears were realised when the bushfire crisis arrived on their doorstep.
About 1000 people spent that afternoon and night sheltering on the beach as the flames roared on the headlands surrounding them.
Homes and livelihoods were lost as a result, so Mr Fiumara and other Leeton shire residents sprang into action.
Mr Fiumara, along with his brother Pat, Stacey Dunn and Rebecca Pearse, started collecting donations of food and essential items to be distributed to residents in Malua Bay.
This idea was very well received, but Mr Fiumara wanted to do more to help and so the idea of a 24-hour bike ride was born.
Mr Fiumara will hold the ride fundraiser on Saturday, February 8 from 10am until Sunday, February 9 at 10am.
He's in the process of roping some of his mates into the challenge as well.
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"The idea will be to have one of us completing the lap of the avenue while the rest are set up on stationary bikes pedalling the whole time," Mr Fiumara said.
"So, we'll be riding for 24 hours and someone will on the avenue at all times.
"We'll take it in turns. It's going to be pretty hard I think, but it really is nothing compared to what this community is going through."
Mr Fiumara said he has many happy memories of family holidays to the town, which is why he wanted to be able to give some of that happiness back.
"All of the money we raise is going directly to that community and to those people," he said.
"I've spoken to many of the people that live there and they are so grateful.
"The money will be used for whatever is needed most. It will be distributed by the locals to the locals. It's all going there."
Residents can donate via a bank account or in person to Mr Fiumara now or during the fundraiser.
A barbecue will be running, so residents are encouraged to get down and show their support at the town ovals.
Bank details: BSB 062564, account number 10183961.
