Every day we are inspired by the fundraising achievements and the physical feats that are accomplished by our adventurers from all over Australia. While each and every individual is a true champion of the cause they are raising funds for, we have had a number of fundraisers publicly acknowledged for their efforts. Even one of our regular guides from Vietnam has been recognised for his outstanding performance as a Tour Guide. We are proud to share their inspirational achievements with you…

Jennifer Reid – Paris Marathon 2012 (National Breast Cancer Foundation)

In 2012, Jennifer Reid crossed the finished line of the Marathon de Paris. She had completed one of the most physically gruelling events that you can put your body through. Jennifer had also survived breast cancer and had fundraised her way to Paris to support the work of the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Earlier this month, Jennifer’s efforts for fundraising for breast cancer research were acknowledged when she was invited to attend Government House to dine with the Governor General, Sarah Murdoch and other wonderful people who had also raised significant funds for this cause. Last year Nadia from Inspired Adventures had the honour of running alongside Jennifer. Here’s a snippet from Nadia’s moving blog, ‘Memoirs of a Marathon: Paris’:

“As I stood on the start line with this remarkable woman… it really struck me what it meant for her to be here… Jennifer had not only raised over $15,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, she had also bought her whole family to Paris to share in this new beginning for them all. Like the rest of our team, Jennifer was also haunted and troubled by a fellow team member was missing from the starting line. Sam Naudin signed up to the challenge late last year having been diagnosed with breast cancer… she was looking forward to meeting us all in Paris… Tragically, Sam never made it to the start line in Paris; her life was taken by the disease she fought so hard to conquer, leaving behind her family and two young children…. Jen has taken inspiration to new heights and has also pledged to raise the funds that Sam never got the opportunity to do…”

Image: Jennifer Reid

Allan Cronin – Laos Water Cycle 2012 (ChildFund Australia)

Allan took part in the Laos Water Cycle 2012 and raised funds for ChildFund Australia. He was recently awarded Young Citizen of the Year by Lithgow City Council for his fundraising achievements. Well done, Allan!

Deb Warren & Jenny Croaker – Mt Kilimanjaro 2012 (Guide Dogs NSW)

A big congratulations to Deb and Jen from Team Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. They were acknowledged for their fundraising efforts in the Armidale Australia Day Awards. They both successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro in November last year having fundraised an incredible $35,000.

Hanh – Vietnam-based Tour Guide

Hanh works for our ground operator in Vietnam and has led a number of Inspired Adventures. We have lots of great memories from his expertly-led trips including the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation Vietnam Cycle 2011.

Johnno Mason – Vietnam Cycle 2011/ Great Wall of China 2012 & Race Across Asia 2013 (Flinders Medical Centre Foundation)

Johnno is a fundraising superstar. He is currently fundraising for his third Inspired Adventure and will be heading off on the Race Across Asia in April this year. Last year Johnno received the Big Sky Volunteer of the Month award for his fundraising commitment to cancer research. Read the full article on the Team Flinders website…

Image: from Flinders Medical Centre Foundation website

Read more Charity Fundraising Tips or visit the Inspired Adventures Calendar and find a Fundraising Trek or Adventure perfect for you.

In 2013, Inspired Adventures’ fundraisers will help…

January

• Oaktree Foundation give young people the skills and knowledge to create lasting change and fight extreme poverty through education.

February

• raise funds for Wayside Chapel’s Community Service Centre that assists those less fortunate to make the transition through to better health and a better life.
• Special Olympics Australia inspire children and adults with an intellectual disability to achieve their personal best in sport and in life.

March

• Plan Australia lift millions out of poverty and assist in the fight to end the practice of child marriage.
• World Vision Australia improve the lives of some of the world’s poorest children.
• Cure Cancer Australia Foundation support the next generation of researchers in their quest to find a cure for cancer.
• Flinders Medical Centre Foundation fund world-leading cancer research at the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer.

April

• raise funds for Scope to support and encourage Victorian children and adults with a disability.
• RSPCA continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals that need their care and attention.
• Leukaemia Foundation raise funds to continue their vital work.
• Lifeline Australia in developing their Online Crisis Support Chat, a new online service for people who would prefer to seek help and advice via a real time, one-on-one, online conversation.
• Variety the Children’s Charity continue to empower Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn through the provision of specialised equipment and services, regardless of background or ability.
• Cure Cancer Australia Foundation to fund young researchers and champion their fresh ideas in the fight against cancer.

May

• The Smith Family to transform the lives of disadvantaged youths unable to access the same basic educational and life opportunities as their peers by raising funds for their Learning for Life program.

June

• Mater Foundation raise funds for fertility research and research to save the lives of babies in Mater’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU).
• Cure for Cancer Foundation fund the next generation of researchers in their quest to find a cure for cancer.
• Vision Australia raise funds for vital equipment and training that will enable people who are blind or have low vision to live their lives to the full.
• MS Queensland in raising $80,000 for people living with multiple sclerosis in Australia.

July

• Flinders Medical Centre Foundation support Flinders University and Medical Centre researchers working in areas such as cancer prevention and control, heart and circulation and neurosciences.
• Amnesty International defend human rights and create a world of freedom, justice and dignity for all men women and children.

August

• Cure Cancer Australia Foundation fund cancer research that can save millions of lives as well as fund the next generation of researchers in their quest to find a cure for cancer.

September

• Australian Youth Climate Coalition raise much needed funds to develop climate change campaigns in Australia and Nepal.
• Indigenous Community Volunteers fund community development projects that improve quality of life, health, social and economic wellbeing
• Cerebral Palsy Alliance raise funds to improve medical services in rural NSW communities, giving greater access to programs and equipment needed for children with cerebral palsy.
• Australian Youth Climate Coalition build a generation-wide movement to solve the worldwide climate crisis.
• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Foundation continue to advocate for issues influencing GP’s and their practices, improving patient care Australia-wide.
• Animals Asia Australia raise funds to assist in the rescue, recovery and rehabilitation of Moon Bears throughout Asia.

October

• Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s forest campaigns to stop illegal logging, end the clearing of ancient forests and help protect our climate. Zero deforestation by 2020!
• Jeans for Genes continue their vital research into congenital abnormalities and genetic diseases in children.
• Good Beginnings raise funds to continue their community-based early childhood and practical parenting programs.
• Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation continue to deliver life-saving advances in paediatric health care.
• Black Dog Institute fund programs in Australian rural and urban communities to raise awareness of mood disorders and reduce stigmas.
• Schizophrenia Research Institute in their research into schizophrenia, its causes, treatment and a cure.
• Plan Australia ‘Stop the Hunger’ by providing children with school lunches to help them cope with the food crisis.
• Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service in raising $200,000 to overhaul their life-saving chopper fleet.
• Greenpeace Australia Pacific protect the world’s tropical rainforests and work towards its goal of zero deforestation globally by 2020
• Southern Cross Care Vic raise funds to improve the lives of dementia sufferers and support vital research projects.
• The Wayside Chapel continue their support of people living on the streets to overcome addictions, hardships and get back on track.
• World Vision Australia provide life-changing assistance to improve the lives of the world’s poorest children and their communities.
• Travellers Aid provide travel-related emergency help for people who are stranded, in danger, or facing some other kind of travel-related emergency.

November

• Cure Cancer Australia Foundation raise funds for cancer research to save millions of lives.
• Amnesty International fight injustice and defend the human rights of people everywhere.
• Kids Helpline to raise funds to enable counsellors to answer more calls from youth reaching out for help.
• Arthritis NSW raise funds to help improve the quality of life for people with arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions.
• Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute continue their life-saving research to develop cures and treatments that will transform the lives of millions of people, both in Australia and around the world.
• ChildFund Australia in rebuilding communities in north-eastern Sri-Lanka and giving them hope for the future.

All year (JUMP! Program):

• Mater Foundation raise over $100,000 for prostate cancer research.
• Animals Asia Improve the lives of moon bears rescued from bear farms by providing essential rehabilitation equipment to exercise their wasted minds and bodies.
• Cure Cancer Australia Foundation fund vital cancer research.

Read more Charity Fundraising Tips or visit the Inspired Adventures Calendar and find a Fundraising Trek or Adventure perfect for you.

Monday 3 December was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This is an important day “that aims to promote an understanding of people with disability and encourage support for their dignity, rights and well-being”. For Inspired Adventures, it’s about reflecting on our charity partners who support people with disabilities and who give them greater independence and opportunities through the wonderful work that they do. It is also about recognising the achievements of our incredible adventurers who provide us with an ongoing foundation of inspiration that we draw upon day-after-day.

Over the last 8 years, we’ve seen some truly incredible feats of physical and mental determination, courage and endurance. One of the greatest achievements to date was the recent ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro by two completely blind trekkers, Deb and Henry. On 2 December 2012, both of them reached the summit at 5,895m having trekked up the mountain for five gruelling days with their fellow team members. They took on this challenge in support of a charity that is very close to their hearts, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. For Henry, it was a way of remembering his guide dog, Billy, who passed away in May 2012. Henry’s tribute to Billy is heart wrenching and moving. Here’s an excerpt:

“I’ll never forget the first night that I spent with him. I was wound tight with tension, trying to remember the appropriate commands that I was supposed to give him, and coming to grips with the reality of the new partnership and all the associated responsibilities that this would entail. He padded across to the couch I was sitting on and gently rested his beautiful big head on my knee. The message could not have been clearer had he learned to talk and shouted it out loud. “It’s OK! We can do this. Feed me, and give me the love and attention I deserve, and I won’t walk you off a cliff. Deal?”

In a matter of weeks, I was walking independently in places where I would never have travelled solo before, except by necessity or bloody mindedness. He was guiding me to specific shops in shopping centres, along temporary paths through major construction sites that changed daily, across very busy intersections, and around power poles and trees. He learned how to follow friends and family, find traffic lights, stairs, elevators and seats. At this point it must be admitted that these seats weren’t always vacant. This was either of no great concern to him, or a deliberate attempt on his part to try and help me meet girls. I am inclined to think the latter, as generosity and helpfulness were imprinted in his makeup.”

Read Henry’s full tribute to Billy…

For Deb, her main motivation for undertaking this challenge was to show her ‘heartfelt appreciation for what I have been given, through Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’. Read Deb’s full story.

It is important to remember that Deb and Henry didn’t just climb a big mountain and overcome a physical challenge that pushes everyone to their limits. Deb and Henry also fundraised exceptional amounts for Guide Dogs. Deb raised nearly $12,000 while Henry’s fundraising dollars continue to roll in. We expect the final amount to be upwards of $30,000! Even better than that is the fact that Henry and Deb weren’t alone – they had 7 others fundraising alongside them under what became known affectionately as ‘Team Doggies’. Collectively this team of incredibly passionate people has raised over $100,000 to help establish a new guide dog puppy breeding program in NSW.

Earlier this year we saw Chris Scott, a multiple gold-medal winning Paralympian, take on a fundraising and trekking challenge for Cerebral Palsy League. His reason for taking on such an adventure:

As a past client I know first hand the work the Cerebral Palsy League do and how they change the lives of thousands of people with Cerebral Palsy allowing them to achieve their full potential.

Since becoming a CPL Ambassador I have also come to understand the costs involved in funding such and organisation. This inspired me to do the Vietnam Challenge so I can directly help support the organisation who helped make me the person I am today. I was also inspired to do this challenge to show people that just because you have a disability that should not stop you from setting yourself challenges that test you both physically and mentally.

Chris epitomises determination and is a true inspiration. He isn’t afraid of pain or stepping outside his comfort zone and his motto to achieve success:

“Pain goes away; your achievements stay with you for ever.”

In 2013, we have some we have some amazing trips planned for charity partners working with people with both physical and mental disabilities. These include:

• Special Olympics Kilimanjaro Challenge (February 2013)
• Great Wall of China Trek for Schizophrenia Research Institute (‘Trek for Mental Health’)
• Cycle for Disability for Arthritis NSW
• MS QLD Cycle de France (June 2013)
• Scope Disability Services (VIC) Vietnam Trekking Challenge
• Vision Australia Sights Set on China – Great Wall Trek

To finish, I leave you with moving interview of Henry captured before he departed Australia to take on Mt Kilimanjaro with Team Doggies: 

Resources: 

• International Day of Persons with Disabilities Australia: www.idpwd.com.au
• Inspired Adventures Calendar
• Interview with Paralympian, Chris Scott

Read more Inspired Adventure News from Justine or visit our Calendar and find a Charity Challenge perfect for you.

By Rebecca Levy – Trek for Tibet (November 2005). Rebecca was one of our very first Inspired Adventurers. She combined her desire to travel with her passion for the work of the Australia Tibet Council. Rebecca draws upon her experience fundraising for the first ever Inspired Adventure and gives our current adventurers tips on how to achieve their fundraising target.

Where to start…

All signed up for your Inspired Adventure? Are you asking yourself the big question of just how you’re going to do it? Unless you’re experienced at fundraising it can seem a little daunting. So you start out with your loved ones, asking family and friends who, in order to support you, dig into their pockets.

And then reality hits, your target is somewhere in the far away distance and you realise it’s time to get moving. To help relieve the overwhelming sense of obligation and help keep you moving towards your goal there’s a few tips that can keep your fundraising on track.

Tips for keeping on track

1. Firstly, create a plan (Inspired Adventures helps you with this). Think about how you’re going to achieve your target. As we’re all different some of us will go for one BIG fundraising idea like a concert or trivia night, others will work on a few smaller fundraising ideas. Or maybe even a combination of both. First tip – ask yourself what your preference is.
2. Next, plan fundraising activities you enjoy. Bare foot lawn bowls is a great way to raise money and have fun! Perhaps team up with a local restaurant that’s aligned to your cause and organise a fundraising dinner. You could host a karaoke night or have a regular cake stall at your local football match each week. Whatever activity you plan; make sure it’s fun for you. Your excitement and enthusiasm will spill over and inspire others to support you and your cause bringing your target closer to being achieved.
3. Thirdly, make a list of your supporters. It’s a big challenge and you’re going to need support. Whether it’s family or friends, write them down and list the type of support you’d love them to offer next to their name.
4. Next, speak to them. Share what you’re doing and how you’d love their support. It may be that they offer you emotional support when you’re feeling challenged or they become your brainstorming team when you need new ideas for fundraising. They may be great at graphic design and able create fabulous artwork for you to promote your fundraising.

Ask and you shall receive

You’d be amazed how much help is available to you if you just open up and ask for it. One of my supporters sold over $1,000 in chocolates just by taking them into her workplace and being responsible for them. Over a space of 3 months she collected new boxes from me each week and returned the money at the same time. I had no idea Freddo’s could be so successful!

So get planning, you’ve got a target to achieve!

Rebecca now runs a successful consultancy company called Leading Business with Heart.

FEELING INSPIRED? Check out Leading Business with Heart

• Fundraising ideas:
• How to host a trivia night
• Read what other Adventurers are doing…
• Developing your case for support
• How to tap into corporate dollars
• Masquerade Ball & Virtual Guests
• How to Fundraise Outside your Network
• Host a movie night

Read more Charity Fundraising Tips or visit the Inspired Adventures Calendar and find a Fundraising Trek or Adventure perfect for you.

It is no secret that we live and breathe fundraising here at Inspired Adventures and we are incredibly fortunate to work with so many charities across Australia, many of which support causes very close to our hearts. So it may not come as a surprise to learn we often choose to practice what we preach and fundraise ourselves.

We really do understand the roller coaster ride that is fundraising, and this month we let you in on the successes (and failures!) of the Inspired team’s own fundraising efforts.

Justine Curtis, Director

Prior to starting Inspired Adventures, Justine, already a seasoned fundraiser, created her own charity challenge to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and fundraise $30,000 within 12-weeks. Aware that this was no easy task, Justine created a team, developed a challenge name (one that she knew would get media attention!) ‘Girls on Top’, and the team devised a targeted approach to corporates. As the intention was to fund a water pump in an AIDS orphanage in Zimbabwe, the team used this tangible outcome, as well as the short timeline, to create a compelling ask.

The highest donation was $10,000, and the company in question was thrilled to get involved due to the media exposure the challenge generated. Friends, family and work colleagues all chipped in too, and as usual, those Justine expected to donate did not and the people she barely knew were full of generosity. It pays to ask everyone! Within 12 weeks Justine and the team were on the summit and $30,000 was raised. That was the catalyst for starting Inspired Adventures!

Belinda, Head of Client Services

Belinda decided to fundraise for her first Inspired Adventure, ChildFund’s Cycle Cambodia Challenge in 2009. She hosted a masquerade ball at a hip venue in Sydney, Ruby Rabbit. Tickets were $60, including canapes (organised by her lovely mum!) and a limited bar tab. A raffle boosted proceeds on the night, and she successfully raised over $3,000!

She has since raised over $2,000 for Amnesty International for this year’s City2Surf through online fundraising.

Nadia, Account Manager

Within two months of joining the team, Nadia was signed up to run the ING New York City Marathon 2011 and had pledged to raise over $9,000 for Kids Helpline. This was not a commitment Nadia took lightly, and with most of her family and friends based in the UK, she knew she was going to need to look beyond her direct networks to fundraise. In between a whole lot of training, Nadia met (and quickly exceeded her target!) with a combination of selling tickets for an Ipad raffle on the Manly fast ferry in Sydney, an event for friends, ebay sales, a market stall and online fundraising. Nadia hit the $10,000 mark with style and has many valuable tips to share from the experience.

Hannah, Account Executive

Hannah has been looking for the perfect fundraising opportunity since she joined the team in 2011, and the ideal combination has come along recently for her with Plan’s Cycle for Girls. Hannah is lucky enough to be sharing this adventure with her younger sister, but this means double the fundraising target – $6,000! Unfortunately the NZ dollar is forever struggling against the Australian, so Hannah is needing to look beyond her Kiwi supporters to help with her fundraising efforts. Hannah is hosting a clothes swap party at the Inspired Adventures office next month and you’re welcome to come along to the Inspired headquarters, meet the team and see a fundraiser in action – check out www.trybooking.com/BXXI for more details.

Kristen, Fundraising Co-ordinator

If you’re looking for fundraising inspiration, look no further than over super star fundraiser Kristen. Before joining the Inspired team in 2011, Kristen participated in ChildFund’s Cycle Cambodia Challenge with her best friend Turia, raising over $14,000 for ChildFund Australia. They raised their funds through online donations, a surfing competition, a movie night, dance parties, chocolate boxes, corporate sponsorship and Rotary Club presentations.

Late last year Turia was caught in a bush fire participating in an ultramarathon. Turia suffered horrendous burns to 60% of her body, sustaining the worst burns on her arms, hands and legs. Since Turia’s accident, Kristen has organised a surfing competition that raised $20,000, a Masquerade Ball that raised $60,000, and has set up an online fundraising page that has over $50,000 to support Turia’s ongoing medical costs.

Kimberly, Fundraising Co-ordinator

Kimberly, our newest team member, is no stranger to the unique experience of fundraising. Coming from an event management background, Kimberly has raised $10,000 for a local Sydney based not-for-profit. With a love for the Australian music and art scene, she organised an art show with some of Australia’s most recognizable artists and DJ’s. It was not a walk in the park for her though, pre-sale tickets were lacking in numbers and there was talk of a possible cancellation. But with a last leg effort and enthusiasm she got the community involved with flyers, posters, Facebook campaigns and the result was a sold out event at an Oxford St venue. Her advice? Fundraising is a roller coaster of emotions but so long as you have someone around to refresh your enthusiasm for the cause, you’ll smash your targets!

Helen, Account Manager

Helen has a wealth of experience in the fundraising world. She has fundraised online, sold merchandise, chocolates, raffles, auctions and events however, most of that has been for others. Helen has big aspirations for 2013, and has decided to fundraise for our furry friends on RSPCA’s Borneo Orangutan Trek. She is planning a sponsored cinema night, merchandise sales, online fundraising and she’s even going to shave her head! Watch this space, we’ve got it in writing now…

We have saved Kyle for last, because anyone with 2033 (and counting!) friends on Facebook has no excuse not to smash their target! And Kyle did just that, when he pledged to climb Kilimanjaro, trek to Everest Base Camp AND run the London Marathon in support of Cure Cancer. Kyle raised over $18,000 with a mixture of online fundraising and an All-American Prom event. Who knows what will be next!

Read more Charity Fundraising Tips  or visit the Inspired Adventures Calendar and find a Fundraising Trek or Adventure perfect for you.