$10,000 of donated groceries from IGA stores across the region will ensure more funds raised at the 2026 Cardiac Challenge go back to improving life-saving services in Far North Queensland. Photo: Supplied.
Bike riding may save gas money, but it takes a different kind of fuel to ensure 550 cyclists, volunteers and supporters complete an epic three-day journey from Cairns to Cooktown safely.
IGA stores across the region will make a $10,000 donation, including 360 yoghurts, 169 litres of milk, 15 kilograms of butter, 30 kilograms of bananas and 25 kilograms of ham, to help feed participants of the 2026 Cardiac Challenge.
The Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation (FNQHF) event, which will celebrate its 20th edition from 19 to 21 September, has facilitated the fundraising of more than $6 million to improve cardiac care across Far North Queensland.
The donation of groceries, to be presented at Cornett’s IGA Gordonvale on 18 September, will significantly reduce event costs so more fundraised dollars can be directed to life-saving cardiac equipment and services for local patients.
FNQHF CEO Gina Hogan said partnerships such as IGA’s played a crucial role in maximising the event’s impact.
“It takes an enormous amount of planning and support to move more than 550 people from Cairns to Cooktown over three days. Contributions like this help make the event possible and ensure that more of the funds raised by participants go directly towards improving cardiac services for our region,” she said.
“We’re incredibly grateful to IGA for standing alongside our riders, volunteers and support crews as we celebrate 20 years of the Cardiac Challenge and continue working towards the next generation of cardiac care.”
Most recently, Cardiac Challenge efforts delivered a $250,000 ComboLab cardiac monitoring system at Cairns Hospital, helping specialists diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms with greater precision.
The foundation is now raising funds for its next major cardiac initiative — a $3.7 million CT Coronary Angiography Project that will provide clinicians with advanced diagnostic technology to support patients experiencing chest pain and ongoing cardiac conditions.
Cornett’s IGA supermarkets operations executive manager Brett Leishman said the partnership reflected IGA’s long-standing commitment to supporting local communities.
“The Cardiac Challenge is far more than a bike ride. It’s a community movement that has been changing lives across Far North Queensland for two decades,” he said.
“IGA is proud to contribute $10,000 in groceries to support the hundreds of riders and volunteers taking part this year. Every dollar saved on event costs is another dollar that can be invested into better cardiac care for local families.
“Our stores have proudly supported the Cardiac Challenge since it began in 2007, and we encourage the community to get behind the riders, donate if they can, and cheer them on as they make their way to Cooktown.”
