Cath, aka Drag King Freddie Merkin, and her wife Donna are cycling 500 km across Thailand to support the children of Hands Across the Water. And, thanks to a drag clear-out, her queer community has helped them do it.
Those who know Cath’s drag alter ego, Freddie Merkin, know him to be not only awesome and entertaining, but to have a huge heart and carry interacting and being a part of our communities with pride and care.
So when we found out that Cath and Donna had been training for a charity ride in Thailand to support children in need, we just had to share their story.
500 km in six days is no small feat, but the cause they are riding for is what it is all about.
“We are cycling with a group of fifteen people from Hua Hin along the coast through Khao Sok National Park, finishing at Baan Tharn Namchai in Khao Lak,” Cath told QNews.
“This organisation was developed in 2004, after the big Boxing Day tsunami came through Thailand. When that happened, Pete Baines, the founder of the organisation, found 34 children that had been left without family, food, shelter or anything.”
“So he started this foundation from these 34 children, and over the years it’s grown. He’s raised $40 million and supported over 1000 children to grow, learn and thrive. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have had any education, food or clothing.”
Gippsland Pride Festival Day 2025Drag community helped Cath hit her fundraising target
Hands Across the Water currently has 170 children in its care. Since 2009, has run charity bike rides raising money to fund the organisation’s projects across Thailand.
Cath set herself a goal to raise $5000 for the cause, and she has already surpassed that target, thanks to drag and queer community support, before she and Donna even board the plane this week.
“I didn’t just want to put a hand out and ask people for money,” Cath said, “I know it’s really difficult at the moment financially for a lot of people, so I decided to de-clutter my Freddie gear. I put some costumes up online, not asking for a huge amount, and asked people to deposit the money directly into the organisation’s fundraiser.”
What Cath soon saw was that people were giving a little bit more when they could, because not only were they getting a great outfit, but they were supporting a great cause.
Cath also donated their coaching fee from the recent Gippsland Pride Gala to help meet the fundraising target.
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“On the Hands Across the Water website, one of their values is supporting a charity that should also be good for you and not just the people benefiting from the money,” Cath said, “And I guess I took that to heart. It goes hand in hand with giving away some of my costumes because they are lifting up other Drag Kings in our community.”‘
500 km is nothing compared to what these kids have been through
“I’ve recognised that I’m very fortunate in my life,” Cath said, “And I have all of the great things that I’m truly grateful for. My family, financial stability, a roof over my head and food on the table. But being able to give back and also build towards this bike ride has made me happier and healthier.”
For the last ten months, Cath and Donna have really committed to getting ready for the ride.
When we interviewed Cath, they were only $500 short of their fundraising target, but now that they’ve surpassed it, they are hoping those who can, can give to help Hands Across the Water reach its target.
“We will still be accepting donations, even while we’re doing the ride,” Cath said.
For Cath, this journey isn’t just endurance or crossing a finish line. It’s about something far bigger.
Gippsland Pride Gala Photo by Dean Arcuri/ Cath Fundraiser Shot SuppliedIt’s about giving back and helping the children whose lives were forever changed by a devastating natural disaster.
“500 kilometres sounds like a lot — and it is,” Cath’s fundraising page says, “But it’s nothing compared to what these kids have endured and overcome. Every hill I climb, every kilometre I cover, will be driven by the thought that we are making a tangible difference in their lives.”
“I’m riding for the kids who lost everything, yet continue to rise with resilience and courage, because we all have the power to help — not just with words, but with action.”
You can check out Cath’s fundraising page via the Hands Across the Water website here.
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