At sunrise on 25 February, four CFPâ professionals reached the summit of the world’s highest freestanding mountain knowing that they had raised tens of thousands of dollars to help disadvantaged young Australians through Future2, the foundation of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA).
For Julie Berry, Anne Graham, David Graham and Sam Hunt the Future2 Kilimanjaro Challenge (17-28 February) was both about fulfilling a personal goal and raising vital funds to help empower disadvantaged young Australians.
The team’s initial fundraising target of $16,000 ($4,000 each) was blown out of the water by the generous support of friends, colleagues and families, to reach over $39,500.
The Future2 Kilimanjaro team spent seven days on the mountain accompanied by a team leader/ doctor and local guides and porters. Their route took them up the north eastern side of the mountain, near the Tanzania-Kenya border, through lush farmland and into the pine forest, making a gradual ascent to moorland and finally a rocky, moon-like landscape.
At midnight on the fifth day, they started the trek to the summit under the stars, navigating a narrow switchback trail by torchlight and climbing slowly to 5,686m. On reaching Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point at 5,895m, they unfurled a Future2 banner despite temperatures of -15°C and punishing winds.
Future2 Chair Matthew Rowe CFPâ applauded their spirit and achievement. “It’s only with the help of individuals like Julie, Anne, David and Sam that Future2 can make grants to community not-for-profits across Australia, funding diverse programs that give these kids hope for a better future.”
Future2 ran this fundraising challenge in partnership with Inspired Adventures (IA), a specialist fundraising and travel company.
The funds raised by the Future2 Kilimanjaro Challenge were ear-marked for four organisations who received multi-year grants in 2014:
· BackTrack Youth Works, Armidale NSW
· Bridge Builders Youth Organisation, Lilydale VIC
· Women’s Health & Family Services, Northbridge WA
· Palngun Wurnangat Association, Wadeye NT
The Future2 foundation draws its support from financial planning professionals and others linked to the profession to make a lasting difference in the lives of young Australians living in social and financial disadvantage.
