From left to right - Jay Mertens, Casper Wolski, Ben Taylor and George Whittle
We would like to congratulate Jay Mertens, Ben Taylor, George Whittle and Casper Wolski who completed the Ironman 70.3 event last Sunday to support CaraCare.
While it was a personal challenge for the team, the goal was to raise as much money as possible for CaraCare - a charity that supports children through group programs to overcome the lasting effects of trauma and abuse. These children typically require specific help in overcoming these effects to build confidence and know that they can achieve life goals and dreams. Please visit www.caracare.org.au for more information.
With the fantastic support of family, friends and clients, our staff raised $5,700 – a huge success from an initial goal of $3,000. The final stages of their preparation and photos from the day can be found here. You can also read more about CaraCare and make a one off, or ongoing monthly donation. It’s not too late to still donate!
Donations are welcome at this link https://give.everydayhero.com/au/tri-hards.
CaraCare Director, Michael Harvey, said, "A huge THANK YOU to Jay, Ben, Casper and George and your generous network of supporters for this colossal fundraising effort and for spreading the word about CaraCare! Our CEO, Mary Jo McVeigh, would like to dedicate a movement based program in your name. We will send you a report at the end of the group which will show how your incredible effort has helped those kids in their journey of recovery from the trauma they have suffered as a result of abuse. All the best with your recovery this week and I look forward to thanking you in person."
FIIG sponsored the athletes as well as covering the cost of tri suits which carry the CaraCare, FIIG and Gieldan logos.
Also known as a Half Ironman, the triathlon is tough at the best of times consisting of a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run. Added to these obstacles was a +30 degree scorching day and according to our athletes, “nowhere near enough preparation”.
Following their incredible effort, here are a few (hilarious) words from our “tri-hards”:
“I was overwhelmed by the support we received from FIIG clients and staff. CaraCare was equally delighted by the outcome”, says Jay Mertens, Associate Director.
“I will never do this again. This was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically, but I’m pleased with the outcome and with what we were able to raise for CaraCare”, says George Whittle, Senior Portfolio Strategy Coordinator.
“If I was not so dehydrated I may have cried on the finish line”, says Casper Wolski, Associate Director.
We congratulate our staff on their determination and amazing fundraising effort, and wish them all the best with their recovery.