The generosity of Australians never ceases to surprise and inspire me, despite these uncertain economic times.
Philanthropy is a defining feature of our nation, as memorably demonstrated by the unprecedented support for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal earlier this year.
But recently, it is the lengths that some individuals will go to in supporting those in need that has really brought home to me the passion of the Australian spirit.
Last week, when thousands of people around Australia took part in National Ride to Work day, I could not help but think of one man, hundreds of kilometres away, who was engaged in a very different cycling event on a much greater scale.
On September 25th, Gary Harvey, the Chief Executive of ipac wealth management, set off from Fremantle in Western Australia to cycle 5,500 kilometres (yes that’s right, 5,500) across the nation to raise funds for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life suite of literacy programs which support disadvantaged children.
Gary’s specific aim was to raise enough funds to help break the cycle of disadvantage for a further 1,000 Aussie kids, enabling them to join the 30,000 already creating a better life for themselves through Learning for Life.
After taking three weeks of leave from his Singapore-based job and completing many months of training for the difficult conditions that he would face in crossing terrain such as the Nullarbor desert, Gary set off from Fremantle.
His route took him across the top of South Australia, through regional New South Wales to Bondi. From there he headed south into Melbourne to join 16,000 other riders who had signed up for Bicycle Victoria’s biggest single day cycling event Around the Bay in a Day, which is also one of The Smith Family’s biggest annual fundraisers.
Along the way, I and many others tracked Gary’s progress through his daily blog, which related the enormous challenges he faced, such as the howling winds and biting cold, driving rain, endless road-trains and constant magpie attacks.
Many individuals rode with him for short distances, while others in the regional towns he passed through turned out to express their support for this unique endeavour. Some of our Learning for Life students also took the opportunity at various points along the route to present Gary with letters of support they had personally written and spoke of their gratitude and admiration for his efforts.
When Gary crossed the finish line in Victoria on Sunday, surrounded by the cheers of his family members and kids like those he had committed to help, it was truly an inspiring moment.
Gary’s characteristically broad smile was shining with satisfaction, both at having survived such a physically gruelling few weeks, and at having raised more than $100,000 along the way to support the achievement of others in the future.
Many of us have bursts of inspiration to get up and do something about the issues that concern us, but it’s easy to let fear, doubt, time or financial constraints overcome this motivation.
Gary’s passion for the community was strong enough to see him arrange sponsorship, gather the necessary equipment, assemble a support crew and undertake the Break the Cycle Challenge at his own expense and in his own time.
There are no doubt many more like Gary around Australia, who are able to take the leap from idea to action, and who refuse to let anything get in the way. What becomes clear though is that whether or not these go-getters achieve their stated aims, their sheer determination is hugely inspirational to others, creating an uplifting effect which is a powerful result in its own right.
Congratulations to Gary and indeed to all philanthropic Australians who support the work of community organisations around the country to make life better for those who do need the help.
It just goes to show that the power of the human spirit really can make a world of difference. To donate to Gary Harvey’s Break the Cycle challenge, click here.
Facebook Recommendations
Read all about it
Punch live
Up to the minute Twitter chatter
RT @toplitigator: @farrm51 Very difficult to believe the excitment of 'Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme' website doesn't have ppl all over it.
RT @toplitigator: @farrm51 As for the 'Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping' website, just how do you contain your excitement?
Recent posts
The latest and greatest
Reports of Ron Paul’s death are greatly exaggerated
Reports of Ron Paul’s political demise have been greatly exaggerated and his tactical genius is…
They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
A private school girl’s family is sueing her elite, extremely expensive private school for not…
Our Budget blade didn’t cut aid, it’s being paid in spades
Ten million children vaccinated. 2.5 million people with access to safe drinking water. And 30 million…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: They must pay for one’s bitter disappointments
Michael S says:
"A teacher at Geelong Grammar had criticised her for using words that were too long, which had left her confused and had made her doubt her ability to write essays. She became ''quite distressed'' when her English marks began to fall." I can sympathise. My scholastic mentors conveyed to me a causal relationship… [read more]From: Welfare for breeders is a bonus for everyone
Change Up! says:
I have no problem paying my taxes. As a single, childless person on a very decent income, I can afford it and not have my life severely altered. Plus I understand that my taxes paying for things like schools, childcare and infrastructure is ultimately a good thing. A better community is better for me… [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
Real women like men who drink beer
British comedian John Cleese calls them “beer fairies”. It’s a euphemism for… Read more
Most commented