ALMOST 100 motorcycle riders rode into Warragul last month to support Charlie Tandberg’s family in its bid to raise money for a wheelchair modified vehicle.
Pictured: (from left) Red Knights Chapter 6 president Andy Young, Dad Paul Tandberg, Charlie Tandberg, Grandfather Blake Coss, Chapter 5 president Ross Cohen, Amy Tandberg and Chapter 1 president Steve Payne. All photos by William PJ Kulich.
Charlie was born with a chromosomal disorder unique to himself and requires physical assistance to move around.
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Over 100 people and 98 bikes attended the ‘Charlie’s Ride’ event held by the Red Knights Motorcycle Club and the Warragul Fire Brigade, raising $12,491 through a raffle, auction and sausage sizzle on the day.
Charlie’s Mum, Amy Tandberg, told The Warragul Citizen she was “amazed” by the turnout and the support from the Red Knights.
“We’re so stoked by the number of people come to support Charlie,” Ms Tandberg said.
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“It started because of family members who are CFA members, my husband and my stepfather, and the Red Knights have their own motorcycle club (made up of fire fighters) and the Orange Knights are the SES so it just started though family.”
The wheelchair modified vehicle will cost the family roughly $70,000.
“We’ve been fundraising all year, little things here and there, and this will be our main event, and then hopefully again next year,” Ms Tandberg said.
A similar event last year raised money for a piece of equipment for Charlie.
Ms Tandberg said Charlie had been “mingling well” with the crowd and thanked those who had attended and helped out.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We’re very emotional with the turnout and the support for Charlie and the family has been fantastic, more than we could’ve ever hoped for,” Ms Tandberg said.
Charlie and his two brothers were made members of the Red Knights at the event by Chapter 6 president Andy Young.
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Pictured: Amy Tandberg with Charlie’s Red Knights vest.
Charlie’s Dad, Paul Tandberg, told those at the event he had recently decided to stand down as Warragul Fire Brigade captain to spend more time with his family.
“It was a very tough decision,” Mr Tandberg said.
“To know that there is a very special bunch of people to come out and help Charlie, thank you.”
Anyone who would like to support Charlie and the Tandberg family can find donation details via the Charlie’s Journey Facebook page.
Pictured: bikes outside the Warragul Fire Brigade HQ.
Pictured: Captain Koala and April entertain and educate kids at the fundraiser.
I suggest you should differentiate between ‘bikies’ and bikERS. BIG difference!
Thanks again for coming along to support our event Will. Another great article by the Citizen 🙂
Missed the entire point there Helen.
Well done to all who support Charlies Ride