Tag Archive for: charity

It was an overcast 19 degrees on Sunday on 27 October, ideal for a morning walk around the Torrens Lake for a good cause.   The occasion was the culmination of a few months of organisation to ensure all was in order for the Foundation fundraiser organised by Adelaide Exercise Physiology.  Subjects like; public liability, prizes, the raffle, the auction, late registrations, the BBQ and the coffee van was all part of the myriad of detail to be fitted together.  The start point location, opposite the Vietnam Memorial, was again booked through the Adelaide City Council with parking available on the parade ground. Over 260 walkers and runners had supported the Foundation by registering on the web site as well as the great list of sponsors whose names you will see on the T-shirts.  As an added bonus, our Patron, the Governor, His Excellency, Hieu van Le, AC had agreed to attend and address us.

The winners in all five categories were awarded their cash prizes at the conclusion and in a moment of generosity, all handed back their winnings.  I must mention Mr. Bill Bates who completed the 5 km carrying a 20 kg pack which of itself is a good effort.  But add to that his personal sponsors which resulted in his raising over $1400, great effort!   

The walk generated a profit of $22,731.00, an excellent result.  To our Patron, the Veterans’ Rowing Club, Colin the BBQ man, and our many supporters without forgetting AEP staff and Reuben, I extend our sincere thanks for being involved in a great day.

Moose Dunlop OAM

Operations Director

 

Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland was today awarded the inaugural Queensland Community Foundations Board of Governors Award for Outstanding Achievement at the Philanthropy of the Year Awards for 2019.

Having significantly increased its philanthropic footprint in recent years, the award recognises an individual or organisation for their exceptional and sustained Queensland philanthropy.

 

L-R: Hear and Say CEO Chris McCarthy, YellowBridge QLD CEO Penny Hamilton, Hand Heart Pocket Director Dr Jason Bingham and Chairman Tom Wiltshire, Trojan’s Trek’s Peter Keith, Help Enterprises CEO Kerry Browne and Hand Heart Pocket CEO Gary Mark at the QCF Philanthropist of the Year Awards.

 

Hand Heart Pocket Chairman Tom Wiltshire said he was honoured to accept this award on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland.

I wish to acknowledge our members throughout the state our work is built on the legacy of Freemasonry, dating back more than 110 years,” Tom said.

Following the sale of their aged care and retirement living business in 2016, the organisation returned to its philanthropic roots. Guided by their long-term strategy, Hand Heart Pocket has identified six key areas of support. These include mens mental and physical health, employment for youth with mental health issues, womens financial and physical security, the ageing population, education initiatives for those with a disability or in necessitous circumstance, and funding and financial assistance for families and individuals in need.

Today, we are making a bigger difference for more Queenslanders than ever before. Over the past three years, we have provided $8.3 million in grants and in-kind support to other non-profit organisations.”

In addition to working with their members at a grassroots level, the Freemason charity provides Significant and Flagship Grants to other charities, where there is an unmet need, helping them to fill gaps in funding or ensure that essential services can continue. Its holistic approach has incorporated a sponsored staff volunteer day and the organisation has also provided in-kind support and expertise to some of their charity partners to maximise the impact of their grant.

Everything we do is about providing a hand up, to help alleviate suffering and empower people to lead better lives, so its wonderful to be recognised in this way,” he said.

“Thank you also to our charity partners Help Enterprises, Hear and Say, YellowBridge QLD and Trojans Trek who nominated us for this wonderful award.”

Find out more about our partners and the important work of Hand Heart Pocket.

For the full list of award winners visit the QFC website.

On Sunday 28 October the annual fund raiser in the form of a charity walk for the Trojans Trek Foundation was held on the banks of Torrens Lake opposite the parade ground. Registrations for the walk were up to expectations with over 200 attending.

Sponsorships from corporate organisations were most welcome, all adding to the funds which are earmarked to support our younger successors damaged by their service. Prizes were awarded to the first male and female across the line as well as team and spot prizes to random walkers.

As a most generous gesture, all winners refused their prizes, returning them to the foundation to assist in our work of rehabilitation.

Moose, the foundation chairman extended his thanks to Adelaide Exercise Physiology for their great work in organising and running of the day.

Over 200 participants attended the Young Veterans’ Charity Walk

Thank you to everyone who attended the Young Veterans’ Charity Walk