Stars

Anthony Bell

Supporting the youth of Australia is something that we need to focus on as they are our future. I have chosen the following charities to donate to as they support these causes.

Down Syndrome NSW is to encourage people with Down Syndrome to fulfil their potential for successful and happy lives. In a society which knows their abilities and is supportive of their needs, at Bell Partners we support this cause and work with a truly amazing young man named Kevin who we found through the help of Down Syndrome NSW, he brings an upbeat and fun loving environment to our offices.

I am also supporting the Souths Cares, this Charity assists the disadvantaged youth, and focuses on the South Sydney and Coffs Harbour communities. Souths Cares does this by drawing on the rich heritage of the Rabbitohs and engaging current players in the delivery of programs that promote the benefits of education and healthy lifestyles.

Lastly I am supporting The Australian Children’s Music Foundation. ACMF is a charity that helps inspire and enrich the lives of all Australian children and youth, particularly the disadvantaged and Indigenous. Through music, children can find a way to express their emotions and channel their energy and abilities into something positive and creative.

For me, taking part in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race is both a way to raise funds, but also an ultimate challenge which reminds me that no matter how hard the journey will be for us, it is insignificant compared to the struggles and challenges that the youth of today are faced with.

Danny Green

As a parent I understand the importance of ensuring our kids get the best possible care. I have chosen to donate to the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, which is the fundraising body for Princess Margaret Hospital for Children (PMH). PMH is the only specialist children’s hospital located in Western Australia. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of all sick West Australian children. Increased demand on the hospital’s facilities, and the rapid advancement of modern medical technology, means realising this goal is a never-ending task.

I have also chosen the WA Charity Direct as it aims to reach those that don't have marketing budgets to attract larger corporation donation dollars. Many cases slip through the net and WA Charity Direct aims to help those that are forgotten and/or overlooked. As such I am proud to be associated with this cause that cares and makes a difference.

Grant Hackett

In my early childhood I suffered from a respiratory illness which has continued into my adulthood and I am still faced with it today. I have chosen the Preston James Fund to be a recipient of the Loyal Foundation as they are dedicated to supporting research into children's life support. Their mission is to ensure that life support systems contribute to saving children’s lives regardless of their illness or injury, through world-class research and life saving equipment.

I have also chosen the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. This Foundation is a national charity dedicated to keeping children safe from violence and its devastating impact. They care for children who have experienced or witnessed violence and run programs which help prevent violence against children. They play an advocacy role and are a voice against childhood violence.

Larry Emdur

I had the opportunity to meet the men and women of the Careflight service. I find the dedication and commitment of this group of highly trained professionals overwhelming. When they’re not flying to an accident or emergency scene to save lives, they sit and wait, in a state of absolute readiness, all day, everyday ready to race to our assistance wherever, whatever, whenever.

They are incredible. Hopefully, you’ll never ever need them, but if you do it’s so comforting to know that if required they’ll be there, and fast.

Phil Kearns

Through my travels of visiting kid’s hospitals over the years I have had the opportunity to see lots of sick kids but the ones that touch me the most are the kids with cancer. Ever seen one? I hope you never do and I especially hope it’s not yours. You can touch the helplessness and it’s just not fair. The Children’s Cancer Institute Australia (CCIA) is one of Australia's premier research organisations. It is the only Institute in Australia solely devoted to finding a cure for kid’s cancer. Its mission statement is to save the lives of kids with cancer and eliminate their suffering. Do we need to say more? Since the Institute started over 30 years ago the survival rate of kids with cancer has gone from 2% to 70% and I believe in my lifetime we will have found a cure.

When my son Finn was diagnosed with suspected meningococcal and we spent days in Royal North Shore Hospital it was a nightmare. Not just because of the illness but the facilities we as a family had to endure. When we got out and he was ok, I thought I should do something to improve the state of the hospital even if it was just a lick of paint. I had a dumb idea to start a 'fun' run up Awaba St Mosman to raise 10 grand. I got in contact with some guys at a Foundation called the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and the rest is history. That first year 2001 we raised $70k and since the Balmoral Burn has raised over $8million to supply kids hospitals in NSW and now Australia with equipment. We don't give them money. We buy for them, the equipment they need that the government won’t or can’t provide. This equipment is often life saving and can be anything from a Stethoscope to humidicribs to ambulances. Humpty help put our kids back together again.

Phil Waugh

My eldest son was born 3 months premature, as a lot of parents know this can be a very troubling time as it is unknown as to what conditions can afflict your child.

I have therefore chosen to donate to the Royal North Shore hospital, whose support and best efforts during this time were amazing. They did everything they could to achieve a truly incredible outcome and give our son a bright and happy future.

Additionally, I have chosen to support the Cerebral Palsy Spastic Centre. As our son was born 3 months premature he was exposed to the real possibility of being diagnosed with this condition. The centre offers support to those families whose child suffers from these conditions.

James Dack

My first charity I have chosen is The Mathew Talbot Homeless Services Woolloomooloo.

Every day on the way to school I used to pass the Mathew Talbot hostel. The street on which the hostel is located was littered with homeless people, mainly alcoholics who had know where to go. I vividly remember them buying their favorite drink from the local grocery store, metholated spirits and orange cordial. After a while you become desensitised to it all and we would regularly heckle these people, something which I deeply regret. The irony of all this is that my father was an alcoholic and it had a destructive influence on my family.

This is a terrible disease which is very prevalent in our society. There is a fine line between having fun and drinking and the admission of having a problem. The Matthew Talbot Hostel is a special arm of St Vincent de Paul Society. It is well-known for its wide range of services for homeless, frail, infirm and disadvantaged men in our community.

I have also chosen the police and community youth club (PCYC) Woolloomooloo. This is another landmark on my walk to school as a child. Both my brother and I found refuge in the PCYC as kids. Growing up in a single parent family my mother couldn’t always give us what we needed as young boys, a male role model. The PCYC provided discipline and the opportunity to bond with other people/mentors who have become life long friends. We both served on the committee when we left school and my brother won a gold medal representing Australia in amateur boxing. The thing I like most about the PCYC is the fact that it gives some hope and a safe place for kids where there is generally none.