Tag Archives: Fundraiser of the month

Fundraiser of The Month: Catherine Davis

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Catherine Davis

Cause: Heart Kids
Adventure: Cycle for Heart Kids Cambodia
Fundraising Page: HeartKidsCambodia

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Catherine has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

I was born in 1967 with a Hole in the Heart and a damaged valve, and the Heart Surgery was carried out in May 1972 when I was 4 1/2 years old. I am now a Heart Adult. I have been involved with Heart Kids Central Otago Branch since 2006 and have been an Adult Helper at the Camp Bravehearts camp for 8 – 12 year old boys and girls, for the last 8 years.

I was inspired to take on the Cycle in Cambodia for Heart Kids in March 2019, because my heart surgery was successful and I now lead a normal life, and also I have never travelled to this part of the world. Heart Kids have challenges every day, so along with Dad’s wife Sue, and 8 other adults from around New Zealand, our challenge is to cycle for 5 days in Cambodia.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey?

Sue and I have had articles in local magazines and newspaper and the response we have had from family, friends, work colleagues and our local communities has been amazing and very positive. We now have people asking how our training is going in readiness for our challenge next March.

Apart from the fact that we are going to Cambodia to Cycle for Heart Kids in New Zealand, we have got the awareness of the Heart Kids Charity out there in the public arena.

Do you have any tips for other people currently fundraising for their Inspired Adventure?

If you are fundraising for a charity with a quiz night, movie night, BBQ, coffee morning, hamper at work to name but a few things, keep it simple and don’t be afraid to ask family, friends and work colleagues, to help with organising these events.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

When you know you are going to take on a challenge for a charity, plan well, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your GP or nurse at your medical practice, as well fitness instructors, family and friends, and build up your fitness levels gradually. Don’t cram your fitness in right at the last minute especially when doing your challenge in a hot climate. Find out as much information as you can about the country you are going to, before you leave on your big adventure of a lifetime!

"Be true to your heart… put your whole heart and soul into it, and then whatever you do, it will shine through." – Jamie Brewer.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

Fundraisers of The Month: Sonia & Charlton Braganza

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Sonia & Charlton Braganza

Cause: Edgar’s Mission
Adventure: Edgar’s Mission Trek for Kindness Sumatra 2018

As our Fundraisers of the Month, Sonia and Charlton have scored themselves a $50 donation to their fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to sign up to the Sumatra Trek for Edgar's Mission?

We have been volunteering at Edgar’s Mission for the last 3 years and it’s had a huge impact on our lives. We love travelling, and over the last few years, we have been looking for ways to make our travels more meaningful. When this came along it was the perfect catalyst to allow us to combine two of our passions – Edgar’s Mission and travel together. This trek also gives us the opportunity to see first hand, the impacts that palm oil has had on this amazing part of the world. Through this trek, we are hoping to raise awareness for Edgar’s Mission and the rainforests. Through our eyes and experiences on this journey we are hoping to connect with peoples hearts and minds.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead and what are you most looking forward to?

To be honest, it’s a mixture of things! We are feeling pretty pumped!! It’s something new to us, it’s daunting and we know it will be tough, but we are really excited!

What were some of your more successful fundraising ideas?

We decided our major fundraiser would be a “dinner dance’ with a full Sri Lanken plant-based buffet, live band etc. We thought it would be easy… 3 weeks out we thought we would have to cancel with only 30 tickets bought in a venue that held nearly 200! But we somehow persevered and within those 3 weeks, we went from 30 people to 170 people!! It was incredible! We had to close the ticketing early and even had people calling right up until the start of the event asking for tickets! It was such an awesome night, as we got to share with 170 people the amazingness that is Edgar’s Mission, and how and why Edgar’s Mission has changed our lives. The event gave us the chance to introduce people to another way of thinking about things in a more conscious, kinder way. We also were able to share the deliciousness that is Sri Lanken food, and people were blown away with the variety and (spiciness) that plant-based food can offer!
The vibe through the whole night was happiness and you could feel it throughout the whole venue, which was just awesome! We ended up raising nearly $6K just from this night alone!

The whole journey in fundraising has taught us so many amazing life lessons. We went from thinking “what did we get ourselves into” as raising 7,000 was really daunting. We moved from a place of doubting ourselves to believing in ourselves. It really reiterated that if you are passionate about something and put your all into it, it radiates and people will connect and want to be part of your journey!

We had so many people on the night and after ask if we could do the event again! Maybe a change in career is on the horizon!

"Through this trek, we are hoping to raise awareness for Edgar’s Mission and the rainforests."

Have you noticed any changes in your life since taking on your first adventure?

This is our first one, and it has already changed our lives. It has really showed us a side and part of ourselves that we didn’t know was there. In just two months we decided upon and somehow executed our main event. From planning and approaching business for donations and prizes to designing and doing the event set up, we really had to put ourselves out there in ways we never would have. Throughout the journey, we have made connections with amazing people and businesses that we will no doubt continue with. Through the challenges, highs, lows and thrills of this journey, we have grown so much and it has helped us realise that even with all the bad that happens in the world, there are just as many people doing good, spreading light and being the change they want to see in the world!

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

Fundraiser of the Month: Jen Deneefe

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Jen Deneefe

Cause: beyondblue
Adventure: Walk for Wellbeing: Great Wall of China Trek

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Jen has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

My dad and I had always talked about seeing the Great Wall together. In December 2017, he was diagnosed with Vascular dementia and was highly anxious about it. Around the same time, the Inspired Adventure was posted on my Facebook page and I signed up without a second thought. I felt it was the universe calling out to me to do something to highlight men’s mental health.

Had you ever been to China before?

I had only transited in various airports when I lived in Singapore.

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey?

  • The people of China and my tour companions. Each person had a story, and over the few days we were together many stories were generously shared.
  • Seeing Tiananmen Square.
  • Standing on the wall for the first time.
  • The women who assisted us on day 3 of the walk. They were unbelievable and fantastic in their encouragement and support.
  • Tim, the Australian guide with us! He was also a fabulously supportive and kind man.

"I felt it was the universe calling out to me to do something to highlight men's mental health."

Do you have any tips for other people currently fundraising for their Inspired Adventure?

Using social media all the time with regular posts and updates. All of my fundraising was done that way. Contact local papers, journalists, TV shows etc. Be prepared to present talks afterwards. I’ve presented at my previous school.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

Considering the physical challenge of the Walk on the Wall, I think I had time to consider my body in place and time. Over the years, as I became less interested in caring for my body, I gained weight and became very unfit. I returned from the walk with renewed enthusiasm for walking and pushing my body to its limits. I have joined a local gym in Torquay and use the services of a personal instructor in order to develop strength and flexibility. I wanted to be able to focus on my legs and upper body strength, so the personal trainer designed a program of low impact cardio and resistance training for me. I am having a ball being physical again. I go to the gym 3 times a week and I walk every day. I am considering another Inspired Adventures for 2019.

"An Inspired adventure is a great way for you to feel as though you are doing something useful for society and also to help you develop yourself."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Listen to the advice of others, especially those who have completed this particular challenge. Friends who walk regularly advised me not to go, as I am unfit and have led a fairly inactive lifestyle. Do lots of stair climbing and rock walking in preparation. This walk is not a stroll on a path, but a highly demanding physical challenge that I was ill prepared for. An Inspired adventure is a great way for you to feel as though you are doing something useful for society and also to help you develop yourself. I say go for it!!

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

World Animal Protection

Fundraiser of The Month: Elaine Di Battista

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Elaine Di Battista

Cause: Edgar’s Mission
Adventure: Edgar’s Mission Trek for Kindness Sumatra Trek 2018

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Elaine has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you to take on your Inspired Adventure?

I did a cycle challenge for Plan Australia for Girls’ Education in 2013 with Inspired Adventures and it completely changed my life. I now appreciate how lucky I am to live in this wonderful country and how and why many people in developing countries struggle. As a result of going on the cycle, I now travel to Cambodia about once a year to help out over there with Cambodian Cocoon.

Also, I love Edgar’s Mission. Pam Ahern’s stories on Edgar’s website are uplifting, can be somewhat sad, but nearly always have a happy ending and are educational. I have stopped eating most animals products, however, my aim is to be 100% vegan. I have also visited EM on numerous occasions with different friends to share the joy of Edgar’s and education about the factory farming industry.

I love orangutans and follow the Palm Oil Investigation site and use their app when shopping to avoid buying any products with palm oil, especially uncertified palm oil. It really is tragic what is happening to the world’s rainforests, especially in Indonesia, because of palm oil production. Therefore when I saw this trek, I knew I just had to jump on board!

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to South East Asia before?

I am looking forward to the actual trek, however there is a lot of work to do in preparation for the challenge, both fundraising and physically. Sometimes I feel a bit anxious or overwhelmed about it – and sometimes I feel on top of the world. Life can be so busy and it can be hard to find the time to do the organising for fundraising and the training, but I know I will be okay!

What have been some of the highlights of your Inspired journey so far?

I feel confident and in awe of how wonderful my friendship groups are and how people never cease to amaze me with their support and generosity.

"I love orangutans and follow the Palm Oil Investigation site. I use their app when shopping to avoid buying any products with palm oil, especially uncertified palm oil."

Do you have any tips for other people currently fundraising for their Inspired Adventure?

I have learnt that it never hurts to ask – the worst thing that can happen is that someone will say no.

I called my vet a few weeks back, as I remembered he had an Edgar’s Mission donation box on the counter when I took my dogs for their yearly check up, and thought they might be interested in the Husk Cups with EMs logo on the band. I rang them and they said to bring them in. The owner bought a stack of them for all his staff worth about $250! They are now selling the Husk Cups to some of their customers at the front desk.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

This is my second adventure, but as I said above, my life definitely transformed and I expect this challenge to do the same.  I have found that so many people do not realise the things that are happening to animals in factory farms and are shocked and astounded when I inform them. I am careful how to approach this with people and wait for the right opportunity to do so, to ‘plant a seed’ so to speak, so that they may investigate this further themselves and hopefully visit Edgar’s and decide to cut down or cut out animal-containing foods.

"I feel confident and in awe of how wonderful my friendship groups are and how people never cease to amaze me with their support and generosity. "

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

To think outside the square and don’t be afraid to ask.

If you are not successful with a fundraiser, don’t give up (I had a garage sale last weekend and was disappointed with the $$ result).  One of my friends had a Thermomix demonstration at her house. The consultant suggested I sell Thermomix raffle tickets, they are $20 each and people tend to go nuts over them. I aim to sell 200 with the help of my friendship group. The first 100 tickets buy the Thermomix (valued at $2000) and the $$ from any tickets sold after the first 100 will go directly to Edgar’s Mission – so if you’re trying to find another way to raise money, ring Thermomix and find out how to contact your local Thermomix consultant.

Don’t be afraid to ask people to help out (such as your vet, local businesses or friends) with fundraising. If you have a friend who makes and sells candles, jewellery, etc. ask them if they would like to donate some of the profit towards your cause if you sell some of the items for them. My friend owns Husk Cups and she offered for me to sell them to raise money for EM. It’s a win for her, and most importantly, EM.  She has also made jewellery to sell on Etsy in the past, and has given me some jewellery to sell at work etc. Show a friend an uplifting video on EM’s website, and open up the conversation about EM’s work that way. Why not invite friends to go on a visit with you to EM in the springtime?

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

@INSPIREDADVENTURES

Fundraisers of the Month: Shari and Toni

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Shari and Toni

Cause: Ronald McDonald Monash and Parkville Houses
Adventure: El Camino for the Kids

As our Fundraisers of the Month, Shari and Toni have scored themselves a $50 donation to their fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What motivated you both to take on this trek?

I think Ruby has inspired us to challenge ourselves and to personally give back to Ronald McDonald House. RMH Parkville has provided support and much needed help whilst Ruby spent time at RCH. The thought of helping other families with sick children is extra special.

What are your top fundraising tips?

Try to connect with the whole community via various forms of media; social media, text message, word of mouth, print media, email etc. Sharing your journey with others is a great motivator!

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Fundraiser of the Month – Debbie Carey

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Debbie Carey

Cause: BCNA
Adventure: Great Aussie Outback Trek

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Debbie has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure?

I really wanted to take myself out of my comfort zone – both physically after my treatment, and from a fundraising perspective as I have never done anything like this before.

Why did you choose to fundraise for BCNA?

As a breast cancer survivor myself (2 years), and having lost my mum in 1986, and my cousin being recently diagnosed this was a no-brainer for me. I was passionate about giving something back for all the support I received.

What do you think is so exciting about being able to take on an adventure as well as give to a cause you care about?

Omg! Life is for living and not for standing still. I want to see as much of this beautiful country as I can and live for the moment. What better way than from the top of Mt Sonder?

What are your total funds raised so far? Are there any key fundraising ideas that have been the bulk of your success?

So far I have raised $7,756. I have held a ladies swap shop, an English Cream Tea & scones afternoon (after blagging free scones from Bakers Delight), various auctions and raffles, a kitchen car boot at work. The key has been blagging as many free things as possible and for me… using my outgoing husband to drum up sales of tickets etc. haha!

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

Lots of wine and laugher! Haha! No seriously, I think drawing attention to this fantastic cause and really pushing myself out there. Something I am really not comfortable with.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

Getting as fit as I can with the various ailments that are popping up as a result of my treatment (ie osteoarthritis) and managing the pain as best as I could. I think having a positive mental attitude and approach to this has helped me.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

Absolutely! The field of women showed me that it’s ok to be vulnerable. I have remained strong for everyone around me from day 1 and I now accept that it’s ok to ask for help.

"I met some fantastic, strong and brave women on this trip who have shown me that I am part of a much wider sisterhood than I could have ever imagined."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Go into this with an open mind, a positive outlook and get ready to appreciate absolutely everything that you see, feel (yes… even the spinifex!), hear and smell. Soak up absolutely everything and grow with the experience.

One of my most memorable moments was waking up to the smell of a campfire, and pulling the swag off my face to the soft sounds of the ‘I am Australian’ song playing from our bus whilst looking up at the awe-inspiring starlit sky.

I met some fantastic, strong and brave women on this trip who have shown me that I am part of a much wider sisterhood than I could have ever imagined.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Fundraiser of the Month – Mercedes Carrion

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Mercedes Carrion

Cause: UNICEF
Adventure: UNICEF Kilimanjaro Climb for Kids

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Mercedes has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your adventure challenge with UNICEF Australia?

I have been lucky enough to travel to many countries in my life so far, but never have I encountered such generosity of spirit, and just a sense of pleasure for life than within the African people. I fell utterly in love with the continent and its people and vowed to one day go back to Tanzania and summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

My trekking buddy, Jihan Rome, who is also coming on this hike has a passion for helping people (although I think it’s less “passion” and just that she’s a genuinely kind human!), and together with our enjoyment of hiking, we paired all our ideas together and climbing Kilimanjaro for UNICEF with Inspired was the result!

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Africa before? Or done any similar mountain treks?

In short, terrified but elated!

My previous trip to Africa was a one month camping safari from Johannesburg to Nairobi with one of my best friends. We saw the big 5 in Kruger, I jumped into the devils pool at Victoria Falls, snorkelled off Zanzibar island and spent some incredible days volunteering at a school in Zambia with kids who just adored cricket! The continent is filled with such kind people and stunning scenery – it was magic!

I’ve done some significant multi-day hikes throughout Nepal and Peru, and whilst wonderful, none sit as close to my heart as climbing Kili.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

The people! People are just magnificent aren’t they?! Jihan and I have held multiple cake stalls and Bunnings sausage sizzles, and we’ve had literally hundreds of strangers give us additional cash donations, provide words of encouragement, or share stories of similar feats of accomplishment. Both Jihan and I have gotten to the end of a long day fundraising, and thought “faith in humanity restored”, and what more could you hope for?

"I read a great quote by Nelson Mandela recently – “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. I feel that way now about both our fundraising efforts and the physical challenge of the climb ahead."

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

As a team, Jihan and I set ourselves the goal of raising $10,000. I was worried this was unachievable and didn’t want to set ourselves up for failure. I read a great quote by Nelson Mandela recently – “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. I feel that way now about both our fundraising efforts and the physical challenge of the climb ahead.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the challenge?

Since joining Inspired Adventures it’s been incredible to meet other like minded people who are just kicking goals and achieving great things in life. It’s empowering and inspiring to be around positive, motivated, compassionate people. I’m also super proud of my fundraising buddy Jihan, who has been an absolute trooper with organising fundraising activities, training hikes, rallying support for our cause, and being generally awesome – so much love to her!

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?

Being back in one of my favourite places, with some wonderful people who share a common desire to make the world a better place – and have some great adventures along the way!

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Just sign up. Making the decision to partake is the most challenging part. Everything since has been so much fun. I’ve made some great friends, gotten fitter along the way, and enjoyed being part of something that can help facilitate a real change in people’s lives.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Fundraisers of the Month – Burcher family

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The Burcher Family

Cause: School For Life Foundation
Adventure: Trek for our Teachers 2017

As our Fundraisers of the Month, the Burcher family has scored a $50 donation to their fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your challenge with School for Life?

We have been supporting School For Life since 2013. Annabelle Chauncey, the co-founder of SFL, is such a dynamic and committed person it’s hard not to be inspired to help. SFL is such an effective foundation, with 3 schools built, the “Trek for Teachers” is definitely the hardest challenge we have ever taken on.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Africa before? Or climbed any mountains?

Never having done any mountain climbing or serious trekking before… very intimidated! It had to be SFL that inspired us to make Kilimanjaro our first! We have always intended to go to Africa but never got there, doing this is a great family adventure.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

The immediate and substantial support shown to SFL and us by the donations given by our friends and business colleagues.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

Probably committing to the training needed to climb Kilimanjaro. You have to book it in as a commitment and not waiver. Fundraising can also be a challenge but when you really believe in a cause it seems easier.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the challenge?

We have enjoyed training and committing to this as a family and that has meant spending more quality time together.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?

Finishing 🙂 The camaraderie, completing the climb and going to visit the schools in Uganda after the climb.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Follow the schedule Inspired set for you, commit to training and believe you can do it. You will suprise yourself!

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Fundraiser of the Month – Lia Heal

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Lia Heal

Cause: Leukaemia Foundation
Adventure: New York City Marathon 2017
Fundraising Page: Leukaemia Foundation
Social: @liabarbatano

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Lia has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your marathon challenge with Leukaemia Foundation?

I was inspired to take on the marathon challenge after watching my mother fight AML Leukaemia for nearly 3 years, sadly she passed away in January 2011. I wanted to really take on massive challenge, that was going to test me and at the same time to try to help the Leukaemia Foundation by raising money to fund research, so that Australians diagnosed with blood cancers could receive better treatment in the future and hope for one day that could lead to cures, so people won’t have to face the uncertain road and suffer like my mum did.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to New York before? Or run a marathon?

I’m not going to lie…. I’m petrified! I have been to New York before but have never run a marathon…. ever!

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

Some of the highlights of my experience so far, has been receiving the unexpected support and generosity from friends, family and work colleagues for my sausage sizzle fundraiser back in January. All I had to do was ask and they were there with bells on, and for the people who couldn’t physically be present they donated supplies for the day. Just amazing!

“Dreams only come to those who hustle”

What has been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

The biggest challenges for me I think is the physical and mental training involved to be able to complete the marathon, as well as keeping motivated to fundraise and reach my fundraising goal. I’m training with the Running Centre here in Perth, the 5am starts are tough before work but I know it has to be done as I can’t let all the people supporting me down, I have to get over that finish line! Knowing I have people’s support when the training gets hard as well as having an image of my mum in my head while I’m running is what is keeping me going at this stage.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the marathon?

So far, I have noticed that in weeks that I feel fitter definitely. When setting a goal, with a lot of hard work and determination you can give yourself hope in getting there. My favourite quote that keeps me going while I’m in the middle of my run and my legs start getting heavy and you think twice about stopping…  “Dreams only come to those who hustle”.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?

I am looking forward to being able to tick running a marathon and doing something ‘substantial’ to help contribute to the Leukaemia Foundation off my bucket list!

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Really think hard about why you are setting yourself this goal? Do you want it badly enough to put yourself through the mental and physical ‘ups and downs’ to make it to the end? Everyone also needs support from family and friends, it’s not possible without them.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Fundraiser of the Month – Leone Joice

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Leone Joice

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Leone has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure for UN Women?

I’ve always been a strong advocate for women’s rights and equality and for a long time I’ve wanted to do a cycle trip in Vietnam. As if by magic this trip turned up in my Facebook feed and I felt ‘inspired’ to take it on.

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead?

Excited and nervous that I’ve done enough training.

"Start your fundraising as soon as you can..."

Have you ever been to Vietnam before?

No, however everyone I speak to that has gone only has good things to say about the place and the people, so I can’t wait to get there.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

I’m a talker, so I got people to bet on whether I could stay silent for an hour. Toughest $500 I’ve ever made!!! The generosity of people has been amazing and having people interested in how the fundraising and training is going has been very encouraging.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

Hill climbs. My cycling up hills is rubbish!! To overcome it: practice, practice, practice! Finding some like-minded (and much fitter) friends who will help me. I’ve also found the fundraising very time consuming. Having a number of activities running simultaneously can get you a bit frazzled.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I’ve embraced hashtags #justdontletthemlookrude

"Make an ambitious training plan!"

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming adventure?

Nailing the Hai Van Pass – or at least not crying when it gets really tough! Plus seeing the programs that UN Women are implementing in-situ and the difference they are making to the lives of women and girls. And of course meeting my Inspired team mates and doing this trip together.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

  • Start your fundraising as soon as you can. Remember that nothing much gets done in Australia between Melbourne Cup Day and Australia Day, so plan around it
  • Promote, promote, promote! You might feel like you are badgering people but some people will still miss all you send
  • Ask for help. People will help if asked but you’ll have to be specific.
  • Make an ambitious training plan so you’ve got some flexibility when life gets in the way.
Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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