TOP Things TO KNOW
What is a Dollar Match or Dollar Boost?
Dollar Match and Dollar Boost
Thanks to the Ride’s incredibly generous title partner MACA, event partner Woodside Energy and sponsor Thiess to support your fundraising efforts, we’re able to run Dollar Matches and Boosts.
This is a great way to promote the good work of the Perkins, the Ride and your awesome fundraising efforts. The Dollar Match and Dollar Boost incentive is for the shared benefit of individuals, teams and the riders’ overall fundraising campaign.
Imagine if all riders sent 50 messages each to their supporters - that’s 100,000 people who know a little more about the importance of cancer research at the Perkins.
What is a Dollar Match?
On a predetermined day, at an advertised time and onwards, all donations are matched up to the promoted total amount.
For example, a sponsored Dollar Match may offer to match every donation up to the value of $250 until the total amount of $100,000 is reached. This includes donations made by you and your supporters to your fundraising page.
These donations can be made to individuals and teams alike, but large corporate donations above the capped values will not be matched on this day.
Additionally Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) donations are unable to be matched as these are offline donations.
Starting at a specified time all donations made to participants (including self-donations) will be matched until the total amount is reached.
For example, if the Dollar Match amount is $100,000 and starts at 10am. All donations (up to a specified amount of say $250) from 10am will be matched until the $100,000 is exhausted. Donate $100, get $200 added to your fundraising total!
You can donate multiple times, but the match only applies to the first part of each donation (ie up to the $250 per donation limit).For 2024, there will be a couple of different new ways to have your donations doubled. This will give riders the best chance to boost their fundraising.
Don't worry, riders will receive info closer to the date, explaining everything. The exciting part is that you'll still have the opportunity to double your donations!How does a Dollar Match Lottery differ from a normal Dollar Match?
From a predetermined time and date, every donation a rider receives or makes has the chance to be matched through random allocation until the promoted total amount is exhausted.
A Dollar Match Lottery is about chance rather than speed.
For example, during a Dollar Match Lottery a rider may have one, five or all their donations (up to a value of $250 per donation) matched. It’s all about luck but a riders’ chances of having their donation matched are increased with the more donations they receive.
The Dollar Match Lottery will end once the promoted total amount has been exhausted. Riders will be notified the Dollar Match Lottery has finished via social media.
All matched donations will be distributed the following day. Riders are asked to allow for 24 hours for their fundraising pages to be updated before reaching out to the Ride team.
What is a Dollar Boost?
A Dollar Boost is a new offering this year to give riders a chance to get a bump to their fundraising. This year MACA will be generously donating an amount that can be used to boost your fundraising.
This is how it works - for one hour (and not a second more) all donations made within that hour will receive a fundraising boost.
For example, if $50,000 is donated it will be split equally across all the donations that were made in the nominated Dollar Boost hour.
So, if Dollar Boost happens at 10am and 100 donations are received by 11am, each of those donations gets an extra $500 boost. The boost amount could be less or, excitingly, more! It all just depends on how many donations are received.
To find out when a Dollar Boost is happening make sure you're receiving Ride emails and following the Ride socials.
Important things to note:
- Do not jump onto your fundraising page early on Dollar Match or Dollar Boost days. You will not be matched or boosted. The Dollar Match website configuration is automatically switched on at, for example, 10.00am. So, if you start the donation process at 9.59am (or before), your donation will go through the system but will not be matched. Donations made before or after the Dollar Boost hour will not be boosted.
- We cannot refund donations that missed out because the Dollar Match was exhausted, or the Dollar Boost donation fell outside the nominated hour. Dollar Match days are a welcomed addition to the event, thanks to the incredible generosity of MACA, Woodside Energy and Thiess. Additionally, we cannot guarantee you will be matched. That is up to good timing, good luck and how fast the allocation runs out.
- Dollar Match allocations do not last long. They can be exhausted in as little as minutes or last for over half an hour. Whatever the duration, it’s best to get in early (but not before the advertised time)
- We are a very small team so please be patient. We will try to answer your questions in a timely manner, please understand we cannot allocate match day donations once the promotional value has been exhausted.
How Many Dollar Matches and Dollar Boosts are there?
Depending on the amount we have available to offer, there are usually two to four opportunities to be matched or boosted.
When Do They Occur?
You can expect a Dollar Match or a Dollar Boost before the end of the financial year and closer to the actual day of the Ride. There may be others but we will only let you know on the day. The best way to keep up to date on Dollar Match days is to receive Ride emails and follow the Ride social media accounts.
Why Don’t You Let Us Know Exactly When They Are Happening in Advance?
We do, but we can only share the news in the few hours prior.
For Dollar Matches they run out quickly and with a finite amount to match, it’s important not to rely on them to get you across the line. Given they go so fast, if people are waiting for a dollar match to complete their fundraising, they may miss out.
How Can I Stay Informed of An Upcoming Dollar Match or Dollar Boost?
We send out emails and SMSs in the hours leading up to a Dollar Match or Dollar Boost and we promote them on the Ride socials – both Facebook and Instagram.
How Do I Know If I’ve Been Matched or Boosted?
Once you’ve donated, you will see a second donation with an icon appear on your fundraising page that will either have the MACA, Woodside Energy or Thiess logo to let you know your donation was matched.
But please be patient, it may take a little while to show up on your page.
How Many Donations Can I Get?
That depends on what the capped promotional donation value is for that day.
For example, in a Dollar Match if all donations of $100 or less are to be matched, you can donate as many times as you like but only the first $100 of every donation will be matched and only until the total dollar match allocation has been exhausted.
For a Dollar Boost all donations you receive in the nominated hour will receive a boost. The dollar amount is determined by the total amount of donations received in the hour.
Good Luck!
When is the Ride?
The 2025 MACA Cancer 200 Ride for the Perkins will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 October 2025.
How far is the Ride?
Your ride is a total of 200kms, or apporoximately 100kms each day on your Ride weekend.
More information on the route will be revealed closer to the date of the Ride.
How can I support my rider on the ride?
We welcome family supporters and well-wishers. You can cheer riders on at the start and finish lines both at Optus Stadium and Hall Park in Mandurah.
Rider safety is our chief concern. You cannot follow behind riders at slow pace and you must abide road rules.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin to find out when it's ready!
How do I volunteer for the event?
Being a volunteer is an important role. Volunteers help behind the scenes, helping riders stay positive and keep the participants going with their cheerful support!
If you’d like to be a part of the MACA Cancer 200 ride, have a look at our Volunteers page here, or please email volunteer@perkins.org.au
The more the merrier, so get your friends and family involved!
What about COVID-19?
However our main priority is to mitigate any risks to you and strongly encourage the following measures to protect yourselves and other riders.
- Stay up to date with both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Get tested if you feel unwell in the lead up to the Ride, including if it has been 28 days since you recovered from a previous incidence of COVID-19.
- Keep up good hygiene habits such as washing and santising your hands regularly on the Ride weekend.
- If you feel unwell during the Ride weekend, consider wearing a face mask in enclosed spaces or when social distancing isn't possible.
Can I talk to the Perkins team?
For sure! If you've got questions we haven't answered here, email the team at ride@perkins.org.au or call on 08 6151 0776.
Training
200km is a long way. Will I be able to ride that far?
The Ride is not a race. You are encouraged to take it at your own pace as people of all abilities and fitness levels take part.
Rest stops and some cheering from our volunteers and your family will get you over the line.
A little training and preparation and you can do it!
I’ve never ridden that far. Should I train?
We encourage you to train for the MACA Cancer 200 because it’s a tough distance – but you’re tougher. Start as soon as you can to build up your momentum and endurance.
How do I log my kilometres on my fundraising page with my device or manually?
Your profile page includes your personal distance tally so you can track your distance towards your target. This is a great way to keep your friends updated on your workouts!
If you track your workouts with Fitbit, MapMyFitness or Strava your distances will automatically add to your tally.
Follow these steps to track your KMs automatically:
1. Download the Fitbit, Strava or MapMyFitness app and set up your account
2. Log in to your MACA Cancer 200 account.
3. Under the heading ‘Connect your preferred Fitness app’, click your chosen app.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your account
5. When you next work out, select ‘start your workout’ in the app on your phone. Once you end your workout, save your workout and your distance will be published to the tally on your page the following day.
If you have synced your app already but it is not working, please log in and re-connect it.
When using Fitbit, you must ‘start’ an activity and save it. Your daily steps will not automatically add to your page. If you are having issues, try syncing through BOTH your Fitbit and the Fitbit app on your smartphone.
When using MapMyFitness, you must ‘start’ your workout, ‘stop’ your workout and then ‘SAVE’ your workout.
Your tally will be updated each day with the previous day’s distances.
Remember, you can manually add your kilometres to the tally in your My Fitness Activity tab of your profile after registering. This is a great option if you’re using a pedometer or a different method of tracking your distances.
Follow these steps to manually add your KMs:
1. Log in to your account and select ‘My Fitness Activity’
2. Under ‘Add activity’, enter the date and distance
3. The number of kms will now appear on your fundraising page!
FUNDRAISING
What is the minimum fundraising amount?
Each rider commits to raising $2,500 per person.
This means that every single person at the start line in October will have raised an incredible $2,500 or more! Raising $2,500 may seem daunting at first, but we provide support every step of the way in assisting you raise vital funds for cancer research.
Once registered you will receive a fundraising pack in the mail, which includes a guide full of tips for fundraising success, as well as many other fundraising tools to assist you with raising $2,500.
We also have a dedicated team of fundraising coaches, who can answer any questions you may have related to fundraising.
Historically, the average amount raised per person is over $3,500, which goes to show that it really is possible!
How do I collect donations?
After registering you will instantly receive your own fundraising website profile which you can personalise with your own stories, pictures and updates.
You can collect all of your donations via this page, and your donors/supporters can conveniently use their debit/credit cards to make a donation.
Sharing the link to this page via social media, emails and in person will take donors straight to your own fundraising campaign.
Fundraising data proves that making a self-donation to your page encourages your friends and family to follow suit – so remember to make your first self-pledge donation a generous one!
Are donations tax deductible?
Can I raise funds offline?
Is it hard to raise $2,500?
Here at the Perkins we rely on much needed funds raised by our amazing riders which keeps our incredible researchers working on crucial cancer breakthroughs.
We know that $2,500 can seem like a lot of money to raise, it's a challenge, but then so is riding 200kms. Keep in mind that the struggle faced by our family and friends living with cancer is far more challenging in comparison.
Feel secure in knowing that we have coached thousands of people to raise $2,500 and beyond. In fact the average rider raises over $4,250 which is just wonderful.
Once you have registered to ride you will be guided by our fundraising support team who can run you through fundraising tips, tricks and best practices.
In addition to all of the above we also have a ‘Invite a friend’ and other incentives leading up to the Ride weekend. For every friend you refer that signs up to ride and fundraise with you (up to 5 people), you’ll receive $100 towards your fundraising goal! This is a great way to get a team together and shave up to $500 off your personal fundraising goal.
What percentage of the donation goes to the Perkins?
100% of donations from the MACA Cancer 200 go to the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. Producing an event of this size and scale incurs costs which we endeavour to keep to a minimum wherever possible through the use of in-kind sponsorship, corportae partners and volunteers. The Perkins now owns and produces the ride in-house to substantially reduce overheads associated with running the event historically.
I don’t know how to fundraise. Can you help me?
Yes of course! There’s a dedicated team at the Perkins ready to help you with fundraising ideas to get you to the $2,500 and beyond. For more information contact ride@perkins.org.au
ride weekend
Where do we sleep?
We provide 1 tent per person (but you can share and dont forget to book it!), hot showers, toilets, amazing catering and there's a bar, the "HANDLEBAR" to be exact. We organise transport for all your camping equipment and personal belongings. It is best experience and the best way to get the most out of all of your hard work and effort.
We do understand, however, that camping is not possible for everyone and there are many nearby accommodation options. If you do decide to sleep off site, you are more than welcome to leave your bike in the secure facilities at Hall Park overnight.
Is there support along the ride route?
Yes! Traffic management, food and drink stops, toilets, bike mechanics, cheering stations and first aid are all provided along the route free of charge to help get you to the finish line safely and with a smile! ?
We have dedicated teams making sure you are well looked after across the whole weekend.
What about my bike?
Your bike will be looked after when you are not pushing the pedals.
Drop it off the Friday before the Ride weekend in our secure parking to speed up your Ride takeoff.
We do recommend checking that your bike is up to speed before you head out - 200kms is tough, but it's much tougher with a flat tyre!
Don't forget to service your bike before the Ride, and bring a pump and spare inner tube just in case on the weekend.
Will there be a challenge route?
What if I get injured?
We hope you don't, but accidents do happen. For emergencies call 000.
For other incidents please contact our dedicated team and Ride Control on 0488 773 822.
The Perkins is not liable for personal injuries sustained while participating in the event.
How old do I have to be to ride?
You have to be 16 years of age or over on the 4 October 2025.
The Perkins
What is the Perkins?
The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, commonly known as the Perkins, is the largest medical research institute in WA working on diseases that most affect our families including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and rare genetic diseases.
With over 400 researchers and trial staff located alongside three hospital campuses, the Perkins is uniquely positioned to fast track the development of new discoveries and treatments. Researchers at the Perkins are driven to find new ways of diagnosing and treating cancer – particularly those with poor prognosis.
By collaborating with world-class doctors, researchers, scientists and clinicians, the Perkins can push discoveries at the laboratory bench top to the bedside with greater efficiency. Research at the Perkins has led to effective programs in disease prevention and has made a real impact on people’s lives in WA and beyond.
We are proudly West Australian and support research dollars staying within the state with 100% of your donations coming to the Perkins.
Where do my donations go?
The Perkins owns and operates both events so all costs are kept to a minimum and are managed with a commitment to maximising research funding without compromising rider experience. All profits from the ride go directly back into supporting cancer researchers at the Perkins. Funds are untied which means that they can be allocated to the cancer lab with the greatest need. This is our preferred way of distributing donations as it provides flexibility and agility. With only one in ten research grants being successful due to the volume of submissions, untied funds are often life-lines for researchers.
Where is the Perkins?
The Perkins presently has three locations in Perth that equally support what we do – the first is our main facility located at the QEII Medical Centre in Nedlands.
The second facility is located adjacent to Fiona Stanley Hospital and we also have a centre at Royal Perth Hospital.
We are always keen to show our supporters around our Nedlands facility so you can experience what the Perkins is all about and equally see your donations at work. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a tour.
What other events does the Perkins organise?
The Perkins runs events throughout the year. Our tow other fundraising challenge events include the Walk for Women’s Cancerand the Perkins Plunge.
We also support fundraisers in the community who wish to design their own event to raise funds for research.
Additionally, we conduct community Q&A sessions and seminars, morning teas and labratory tours with the added experience of an Open Day every second year. You can find out more about our events at perkins.org.au
