Riding for Kindness: How Two Volunteers Turned Compassion into Action

This World Kindness Day, we’re celebrating two ASRC volunteers whose compassion goes the distance – literally. Long-serving volunteers Andrew Trembath and Mike Scheidlinger recently took on an incredible 80km ride from Lilydale to Warburton and back, combining their love of cycling with a shared commitment to kindness, community and giving back.

Their ride was held in memory of their fellow volunteer Brian Derum, and to raise vital funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Their original goal was 75kms, a tribute to their ages, but they pushed beyond that to complete 80kms. Together, they’ve raised over $2,000 to help fund ASRC programs that support people seeking asylum.

Mike has a passion for cooking and has been sharing his culinary skills by volunteering in the ASRC kitchen for several years. He loves being part of the kitchen team that prepares delicious lunches every Tuesday and takes great joy in bringing a bit of happiness to refugees and people seeking asylum through good food and community.

Upon retirement in 2011, Andrew joined the ASRC as a foodbank volunteer through to 2022. He continued to teach ‘Workplace English’ and volunteered with the Giving and Experience team. 

Driven by their shared enthusiasm for cycling, Mike and Andrew turned their ride into a meaningful mission of kindness.

“Mike and I decided to undertake our ‘Ride for Refugees’ in early October because we wanted to raise a little money for the ASRC, and because we enjoy cycling and wanted to set ourselves a challenge in terms of the cycling distance and the fundraising target. We know that every dollar raised for the ASRC is used well to improve refugees’ lives.  The ride was also in honour of a longstanding and very kind volunteer in the foodbank, Brian Derum, who sadly passed away in September.”

A massive thank you to Andrew and Mike for everything they do, and to everyone who supported this meaningful ride. Their Ride for Refugees is a wonderful example of kindness in action, proof that compassion, generosity and community spirit can travel far.

This World Kindness Day 2025, and every global kindness day after, may we all be inspired to act with empathy, connection and care. Whether it’s volunteering, fundraising, or simply offering a moment of support to someone in need, every act helps create a world of kindness day by day.

If you’re keen to run your own fundraiser for the ASRC, check out our Community Fundraising page for ideas.