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VETERANS’ CHARITY WALK 2019

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

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ANOTHER RSL CHIPS IN

RSL Sub Branches play a very important part in establishing and maintaining contact with veterans of all services.  This is very apparent in the case of the Nairne RSL situated in the Adelaide Hills.  The club is trying very hard to remain relevant in a space which has seen the RSL Brand suffer impact to its fine reputation as the premier ESO in the state. This has been detrimental to engaging with veterans at sub branch level.  To that end the club invited Moose Dunlop OAM along to address the club members and other club representatives on the benefits gained from attending a Trojan’s Trek.  A gathering of more than 20 including the local member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie MP attended. Moose reported he was fortunate in having a past trekker, Paul Wilton on hand to give his very personal comments on what trek attendance meant to him and his family.

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4 RAR ASSOCIATION SA CONTRIBUTE

Moose and Chris Pepper the SA President at the hand-over.

This is not the first time the members of the SA Association have contributed financially to the Trojan’s Trek program. Of interest, most of those who seek help by attending the programs are ex-Royal Australian Regiment members.  So it is appropriate and well-targeted as this money goes directly to those members and families in need.  A number of the other battalion associations have also contributed over time, and although the amounts may not seem significant to some, the gestures of support for those who replace us is most welcome.

NOTE:  Since the above report was written the SA 4 RAR Association committee met as part of their normal schedule.  Among the agenda items discussed was donations to veteran organisations. In the words of president Chris, “the committee decided that it would provide on-going support to the Trojan’s Trek Foundation because of its low profile and very good outcomes.”

Thanks very much to the committee. The benefits are manifold and benefit veterans and families.

Moose Dunlop OAM

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Supporters of Trojan’s Trek recognised with prestigious philanthropy award

Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland was today awarded the inaugural Queensland Community Foundation’s 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 men’s mental and physical health, employment for youth with mental health issues, women’s 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 it’s wonderful to be recognised in this way,” he said.

“Thank you also to our charity partners Help Enterprises, Hear and Say, YellowBridge QLD and Trojan’s 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.

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VETERANS’ SUPPORT WALK thanks for your support!

The day dawned with lots of black clouds and the threat of rain imminent. But our concerns were unfounded. Overcast, 24 degrees, an ideal day for a stroll or run round the 5 km track Trevor Atkins had marked out round the Torrens Lake. The sponsors were committed, the coffee was brewing, and the barbeque was warming as they set off.

The serious runners blasted out of the blocks keen to compete for the $100 male and female prizes. The rest, all 120, with dogs and children at foot moved off as a wave of support for the concept of veterans helping veterans. It was not long before the first male and female runners completed the course to the accolades of the injured, the workers and the lazy. Well done to the winners, a special thanks to the first lady home, Catherine May who donated her prize money back to the cause.
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After a period of indulgence at the Metro Fire Service & 9 RAR sausage sizzle, Kevin Scarce ex SA Governor, drew the big raffle.

The prize winners were:
FIRST PRIZE: Rod Graham, a Battle Field Tour to Vietnam for two to mark the 50th anniversary of Australia’s involvement in that war;
SECOND PRIZE: Robert Day OAM, a Big TV,
THIRD PRIZE: $250 Mr Stait from Wagga Wagga and
FOURTH PRIZE: Greg Hallam, a selection of fine SA parliamentary wine.

All in all a successful day which will underpin future operations. Moose and the board extend their sincere thanks for your involvement on the day with a special mention extended to the great sponsors of the event.

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The Trojan’s Trek Big Raffle

Here is your chance to gain a great prize and support a program which supports our veterans

1st prize. Travel for two on the “Sons of ANZAC” Battlefield Tour to Vietnam.

Total Value $8,000.

Donated by Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours with air travel provided by Singapore Airlines.

8 nights, 1-9 October.
2015 is the 50th anniversary of the deployment of the first Australian battle group to Vietnam. The prize is a special journey to Vietnam to tour the former battlefields and pay respects at a special commemorative service at Long Tan. Also on offer is an extension of the tour to visit the scenic and cultural sites of central and northern Vietnam.

2nd prize. Rank Arena 32″ LCD TV valued at $400. Compliments of Adelaide Exercise Physiology

3rd prize. $250 cash.

4th prize. Two packs of SA Parliament Select Wine valued at $100. Compliments of Michael Pengilly MLC

A 5th Prize of $100 has just been received from WOW Displays of Sydney, compliments of James Cassells the owner

RAFFLE WILL BE DRAWN OCTOBER 26TH, 2014.

Tickets are $2 each. To buy tickets online, click here.

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MORE THAN A PENNY

 penny

Penny Wright is well known to many servicemen and women for her “across the board” support of just causes.  Senator, lawyer, activist and mum, she is a person who is happy to go with her gut feelings on many issues.  And she is certainly across many. It was indeed pleasing to see her at the RAR Association Xmas drinks in December for a chat about many matters including Trojan’s Trek. Her interest in such programs is predictable given her passion for social justice matters. Her presence was also rewarded with the opportunity to speak to a few trekkers about the impact of Trojan’s Trek on their lives. Nonetheless, it was with surprise that shortly after, the program received a significant donation from Senator Wright and the Greens. The team are most appreciative as it will directly support the 2013 trek.  Thanks Penny!

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