It all started at the Future2 gala dinner on 17th October 2013. Listening to Steve Helmich, Chair of the Future2 Foundation, speaking about the impact Future2 had on the young Australians that received grants that year.
That evening, some of the kids themselves opened up to a group of strangers to tell their own inspiring stories. Perhaps most touching, was the story of Amanda Gorr, Stephanie Nyein and Rostyn Showell, the recipients of the grant made to the Community Table Café of the Byron Bay Community Association. This grant was awarded to support the creation of employment through mentoring – a great initiative to help young people develop enough skills and confidence to successfully enter the workforce.
Listening to these stories provided renewed perspective on just how privileged I am. Growing up in a stable, loving family environment with access to teachers, friends and family that all cared for my interests is a blessing that many of us take for granted. It’s heartbreaking to know that not all kids get the same opportunities in life, through no fault of their own.
I am fortunate and proud to work for the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), a professional association committed to helping financial planners deliver the highest quality financial advice to consumers. The FPA believes that all Australians deserve access to trusted advice, and so we invest much energy into lifting the standards of the profession.
Another way we give back to the community is through Future2, the charitable foundation of the financial planning profession. In my opinion, giving back is the hallmark of any respected profession and another way our profession can restore faith among consumers.
The Future2 Foundation is another real life example of how our professional community can make a real difference to the lives of Australians, and their wider communities. The Future2 Wheel Classic is one of countless fundraising activities designed to raise money for disadvantaged children. This ride alone aims to raise $100,000. The funds raised will bring new opportunity and hope to disadvantaged young Australians, through grants to community not-for-profits that support the education and employment needs of marginalised young people and communities.
I am by no means a cyclist. Prior to starting my training, I had not been on a bike since high school. It was one year ago today I decided that I would embark on this challenge and make a personal commitment to help raise money for Future2 and promote a profession I love.
As part of the Future2 Wheel Classic, I will be cycling 470Km over three days. My journey will start at Mt Gambier and finish in Adelaide, where I will be presenting at the FPA Professionals Congress, the largest gathering of financial planners in Australia.
This is by no means a small feat for someone unfit. My training started back in August with the purchase of a bike and the appropriate gear. Since then, countless hours in spin classes and lengthy bike rides have taken place to ensure my legs can cope with the kilometres that lie before me. If you are interested in reading about my progress, I have kept a blog with photos of my journey so far. All donations very welcome!
