General News
19 June, 2026
Bootcamp for a special cause
LOCAL businessman Chris Beks is once again preparing to cycle 500 kilometres across Thailand to raise funds for Australian-based charity, ‘Hands Across the Water (Hands).’
Similar to his journey in 2025, Chris will be among a group of cyclists who will head to Thailand in September this year where they will spend five days riding from PAMA House in Chanthaburi to Baan Home Hug in Yasothon.
“We will travel through lush countryside, remote villages and stunning scenery; making memories with people who will become friends for life,” he said.
“Our ride will chart an entirely new course, connecting two of the homes built by Hands and delivering an experience unlike anything created before.”
And as a reward for the hot, tough and humid conditions they’re expecting to face, the group will spend a rest day at the legendary Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
“As a father myself, this charity, Hands Across the Water, is certainly very dear to my heart,” Chris said.
The charity, which began in response to the 2004 tsunami, now supports more than 350 children living in homes across Thailand.
“The kids who live in a Hands home are there because they have no choice,” Chris explained.
“It’s often the result of a heartbreaking situation; whether that be having no known family to care for them, living in an unsafe environment or they have been placed in our care by police or the government.
“Hands also provides life-saving necessities for the kids in the Hands homes and supports many families through an outreach program.”
Participants in the September ride will again fundraise before the event and Chris is hoping locals will get behind a very special Bootcamp planned for his weekend.
“My mate Joshua Suringa will open up his gym, Body Blitzer, for a special ‘Bootcamp for a Cause’ tomorrow (Saturday) where 100 per cent of the funds raised will go towards my fundraising campaign,” Chris said.
“It’s all about providing kids with a better future.”
‘Bootcamp for a Cause’ will be held tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, from 7am-8.30am at Body Blitzer Fitness Centre on Raglan Parade, Warrnambool.
