Reproduced with the permission Reed Business Information

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The BT Future2 Wheel Classic is the initiative of Future2 founding trustees Ray Griffin and Peter Bobbin. Ray is a keen amateur cyclist and former award-winning financial planning professional. Peter Bobbin is a well known Sydney based tax lawyer to the financial services industry. The inaugural BT Future2 Wheel Classic in 2010 raised over $88,000 for Future2’s grant program, which supports charities giving a second chance to disadvantaged young Australians. The 1250 km ride follows the route taken in 1955 by Ray’s father, now aged 79, a member of the Speedwell team that took part in the Daily Telegraph-sponsored Bourke – Sydney Cycle Tour. In those days much of the road was rough and untarred.
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As well as fundraising, the objective of the ride is to create local, state-wide and national awareness of the great work that many financial planners do in their communities, giving practical help for the financially and socially disadvantaged. All of the money raised – through sponsorship, donations and fundraising events – will go to the Future2 Foundation.Cyclists who register to take part will be required to make a payment of $150 ($125 for shared room) per day to cover accommodation, meals and a contribution to insurance and support vehicle costs.As well as our Gold, Silver and Bronze partners, the BT Future2 Wheel Classic has been generously supported by other suppliers of goods and services. Special thanks to Toowards, for their help with our website; and to Money Management, our Media Partner, who are helping to promote the Classic online and in the magazine.

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Future2, the foundation of the Australian financial planning professionFuture2 was established in 2007 by a small group of passionate financial planners seeking to demonstrate the profession’s commitment to social responsibility. The foundation exists to support the financially under-privileged and to enable financial planners and associated stakeholders to give back to the community from which they draw their livelihoods. A key factor differentiating Future2 from other foundations is its strong link with financial planners who assist with project identification, fundraising and promoting the foundation’s work in the community.Now in it’s fifth year, Future2’s Make the Difference! Grants program has assisted diverse projects working with disadvantaged young Australians in Adelaide, Brisbane, Loddon Murray (VIC), Mackay, Mascot, Melbourne, Mildura, Orange and North Sydney. Click to the view the details

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Charities helping disadvantaged young Australians are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000 from Future2, the foundation of the Australian financial planning profession.  Applications for the new round of Make the Difference! Grants, now in their fifth year, must be submitted by 2 August.

Future2 Chair Steve Helmich called on financial planners and advisers to support applications from local charitable organisations working with young people trapped in difficult financial and social circumstances.  “Your support can make the difference, resulting in a grant that gives hope for a better future to disadvantaged young Australians”, he said.

To date, 15 charities around Australia have benefitted from Future2 grants totaling over $150,000, bringing life-enhancing changes to the lives of young people.

Future2 Make the Difference! Grants focus on the under 25s who may be financially disadvantaged, homeless, juvenile justice offenders, drug or alcohol dependent, disabled or Indigenous.  Grants are awarded to projects and programs in the areas such as financial literacy, skills training, work experience, community service or mentoring.

“The grants seek to give money where it will have greatest impact.  We like to give grants to small community based charities whose work is likely to be saved, enabled or transformed by our grants”, Mr Helmich said.
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“Trustees will also hope to see active involvement by financial planning professionals in the work of the charity”, he added.
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The Make the Difference! Grant program is designed to encourage the involvement of financial planners in community projects, as well as to provide critical support to disadvantaged young Australians.   Financial planning professionals who are members of either the Financial Planning Association or the Association of Financial Advisers may support grant applications from charities in their local areas.
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Initial applications, supported by a financial planner, must be received by close of business on 2 August.  Future2 will invite the strongest applicants to submit a full proposal.  The trustees’ final decision will be announced on 17 November 2011.
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click to read grant guidelines
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Future2 is the foundation of the Australian financial planning profession.  It exists to support the financially under-privileged and to enable the profession and associated stakeholders to give back to the community from which they draw their livelihoods.
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Future2 grants 2007 – 2010

• QLD SearchLight’s Brisbane community project at Southside Education, to build the financial and life skills of girls who are alienated from their families and mainstream education (2007)
• VIC Access Mildura’s new retail training facility to expand the employment opportunities of disabled and under privileged youth in Sunraysia (2007)
• SA  Anglicare’s Nile United Youth Group project for young Sudanese refugees at the Magdalene Centre in Adelaide, to assist their integration into Australian life through life skills and financial education (two grants: 2007 and 2008)
• VIC Whitelion’s mentoring program for young offenders and those at risk of custody; Whitelion also provides employment and outreach opportunities in Victoria and other states (2008)
• VIC Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, encouraging youth leadership development in north central Victoria rural communities (2008)
• QLD Youth Information and Referral Service’s Young Driver Program Helps  socially excluded young people in Mackay gain their drivers licences and a better chance of work (2008)
• NSW Youth off the Streets Scholarship program in Mascot to assist 14 to 21 year olds to reach their full potential, achieve vocational goals and realise their capabilities (2009)
• NSW Police & Community Youth Clubs Music program in Orange giving young people their first hands-on experience of playing a musical instrument (2009)
• SA Time for Kids’ Financial Wizards Project in Adelaide, to help young parents (16-25 years) of children in respite care and family support, to set up household budgets and develop financial goals (2009)
• NSW Australian Children’s Music Foundation Youth at Risk program – helping to make music a permanent feature of every Juvenile Detention Centre in Australia (2010)
• NSW Family Resource & Network Support Inc – financial literacy program for young people with physical and intellectual disabilities, aimed at helping them develop essential money skills  (2010)
• ACT Galilee’s Young Women’s Graft Group in Pearce   A grant to enable the set up of the group and purchase of essential supplies, to facilitate hands-on training in small business management for young mothers who are the victims of homelessness, domestic violence and drug / alcohol dependencies  (2010)
• VIC Mission Australia’s Charcoal Lane, a social enterprise restaurant providing training and work experience to Aboriginal and disadvantaged young people (2010)
• QLD Friedrich Ataxia Research Association A grant to purchase a wheelchairs for sisters, aged 18 and 20 years, who are suffering from Friedrich Ataxia, a rare degenerative and life-shortening condition, made jointly with the AFA Foundation (2010)

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On Friday night, RaboDirect, principal sponsor of the Rebels rugby team, donated $15,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.  The donation was presented at the conclusion of the match by RaboDirect General Manager, Greg McAweeney, and was received by one of the RaboDirect Rebels standout players, Julian Huxley.

Before the game, RaboDirect pledged to donate $3,000 per try scored by either team during Friday night’s clash against the ACT Brumbies at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.  However, despite only three tries being scored in a nail biting competition upset that saw the Rebels clinching a 25-24 win in the final minute over the Brumbies, RaboDirect increased the pledge of $3,000 per try to a total donation of $15,000.

A minute’s silence was held at the start of the game once the players were on the pitch, to remember those who had lost their lives in the disaster.

Greg McAweeney, General Manager of RaboDirect, said: “We’re very pleased to be able to help the victims of the Christchurch earthquake in any way we can.  We hope this donation will help the many people suffering as a result of this horrific disaster.  We’d like to thank the players from both teams for their outstanding efforts on Friday night.  We asked for their support and they most certainly all rose to that challenge.  We’d also like to thank the fans who came out to the game to cheer on the players.”

The impressive game, which ended with the Rebels’ first win of the season, was watched by a crowd of almost 15,000 people.  However, according to Greg McAweeney, although the victory was very exciting the aim of Friday’s game was not just about winning.

“Friday’s game was very much about showing our support for those people in Christchurch who are suffering.  For that reason, the numbers on the scoreboard had a completely different meaning,” McAweeney said.

The donation by RaboDirect is additional to a donation by Rabobank, RaboDirect’s parent company, of $100,000 towards the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

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Motorcyclists drawn from the Australian financial services industry will come together this month in the 12th annual “Corners for Kids” charity motorcycle event. The charity has raised in excess of $500,000 over the past decade. But more needs to be done.

The 2011 challenge is to support not one, but two worthy children’s charities – the Inspire Foundation and the Create Foundation. These charities are engaged in a daily battle to get better outcomes for young people by to reducing the incidence of youth suicide and depression in Australia, and creating a better life for foster kids leaving care.  The Corners for Kids charity ride kicks starts in Sydney on Thursday 10 March 2011.

“We strongly encourage our friends, professional community and supporters to get behind our efforts by making a donation, which in turn supports the wider Australian community through helping kids get through what can often be a difficult transition period into adulthood and build better lives,” said Corners for Kids co-founder Ray Griffin.

Every dollar raised by Corners for Kids has contributed directly to improving the wellbeing of young Australians.

Pioneers of the ride include industry luminaries Lynn Ralph, Ray Griffin and Brian Thomas. The 2011 Corners for Kids ride will bring riders and pillion passengers together in NSW, taking in scenic western NSW destinations such as Bathurst, Oberon and the alpine region of the Snowy Mountains, before heading to the NSW south coast.

Sponsors for the 2011 riders should visit the Corners for Kids fundraising page and follow the links to sponsor your favourite Corners for Kids rider.

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RaboDirect, principle sponsor of the Rebels, today announced it will donate thousands to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, committing to give $3,000 per try scored by either team during tonight’s clash against the Brumbies at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

Greg McAweeney, General Manager RaboDirect, said: “The recent earthquake in Christchurch is truly horrific and our thoughts and prayers are with all those suffering as a result.  We want to show our support and solidarity, so we’re calling on the Rebels to help us out and get across the line as many times as they can tonight.  Beating the Brumbies will be no easy feat but with exciting players on both teams we’re expecting a great game filled with a lot of tries.”

The elite Rebels players previously helped raise $15,000 for the QLD and VIC flood appeals when RaboDirect pledged to donate $3,000 per try scored during the pre season game against the Crusaders at the beginning of the month.

“The players helped support the QLD and VIC flood victims before and they’re keen to help again. We wanted to be aligned with a team that shared our values. It is important for us at RaboDirect to help those in need when we can and the Rebels have shown their commitment to that again.”

Winning the game would be a bonus for the Rebels but with five squad members being New Zealanders – Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson, Hoani Macdonald, Kevin O’Neill and Tom Chamberlain – tonight’s game will focus on tallying a substantial donation for the Christchurch earthquake victims.

Greg McAweeney said that donating to the victims of New Zealand was particularly significant to the cooperative bank, which has a strong agribusiness background and presence in the country.

A running tally on the big screen throughout the game will keep players and fans up to date with the total donation count. In the event of a low or zero try-scoring match, Greg McAweeney said RaboDirect will stand by its commitment to donate to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and will reveal the total at the end of the match.

“An exciting game of Rugby resulting in a win would be great but when put in perspective of the tragedy in Christchurch what we’re really looking for are high numbers on that scoreboard when the final whistle blows.  The RaboDirect Rebels’ players have risen to the challenge once and are keen to help again. We are calling on the Brumbies to rise to the challenge as well.”

The total donation will be presented at the conclusion of the match by Greg McAweeney to a selection of the native New Zealand players from the Rebels, who will accept the donation on behalf of the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

The commitment by RaboDirect is additional to a donation by Rabobank, RaboDirect’s parent company, of $100,000 towards the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

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The Association of Financial Advisers Foundation (AFA Foundation) and Future2, the foundation of the Australian financial planning profession, have pooled their resources to support the purchase of wheelchairs for Jamie-Lee and Samantha Dwyer, sisters aged 18 and 20 years, who are suffering from Friedrich Ataxia (FA), a rare degenerative and life-shortening condition.

The grant application, which is in addition to the annual Future2 Make the Difference! Grant round, was supported by Tony Lindley, a member of the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) and a long-standing friend of the Dwyer family.

Since Jamie-Lee and Samantha were diagnosed with the condition seven years ago, their father, Mike Dwyer, who is their primary carer, has volunteered some 30 hours a week through the Friedrich Ataxia Research Association (FARA) to finding a cure..

“Both girls attend university and are positive and inspirational young ladies,” Mr Lindley says.  “But unless a cure or treatment is found soon, their future is bleak.”

Mr Lindley said lightweight manual wheelchairs will enable Jamie-Lee and Samantha to maintain some independence and greatly improve their quality of life.  “It will also take some of the financial pressure away from the family which is supporting not only their own disabled children but also others affected by the condition.”

There are some 300 FA sufferers in Australia and many more worldwide.

AFA Foundation Chair Brian Boggs and Future2 Chair Steve Helmich welcomed the collaboration between the two charitable foundations.

“More powerfully than words ever can, this grant shows that financial advisers are a concerned group of business people who willingly give back to their communities, ”Mr Boggs said.

“The AFA Foundation is delighted that Future2 trustees, recognizing the grant’s transformative effect on lives of Jamie-Lee and Samantha , decided to make a $5,000 contribution.,”

Future2 Chair, Steven Helmich said that while the grant was outside Future2’s established grants program, it will make the ultimate difference to the sisters.

“It’s all too easy for those of us who are able bodied to take our mobility for granted,” he said.  “More than that, this grant opens the way to Future2 working more closely with the AFA Foundation and members of the Association of Financial Advisers and Future2 welcome that.”

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RaboDirect today announced it will donate $3,000 per try scored in the pre-season clash between the RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels and the Canterbury Crusaders at AAMI Park, on Saturday 5 February, to the Victorian and Queensland flood appeals. As principal partner of the Rebels, the online savings and investments bank is urging the team to out-do the Crusaders’ tally at its first home game, but has committed to honour each and every try scored, regardless of who the scoring team is.

Greg McAweeney, General Manager of RaboDirect said: “We wanted to show our support and commitment to the people of Victoria and Queensland who are suffering from the immense devastation of the recent floods. And we knew that the players themselves were keen to get involved and show their support the best way they know how – by playing a great game of Rugby. We’re asking the players give it everything they’ve got and a bit more this Saturday – and we are calling on the Crusaders to also rise to challenge.”

All eyes will be on the elite athletes in both teams. With names like Stirling Mortlock, Danny Cipriani, Lachlan Mitchell, and Cooper Vuna making up some of the big name players for the RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels, it is sure to be an exciting game with a substantial donation total at the final horn.

A running tally on the big screen throughout the game will keep players and fans up to date with the total donation count. In the event of a low or zero try-scoring match, Greg McAweeney said RaboDirect will stand by its commitment to donate to the flood appeal and will reveal the total at the end of the match.

“We hope this challenge will give the players an additional push to get them across the line as many times as they can. But our commitment first and foremost is to the people affected by the floods who are in need of financial assistance and we will provide that even if the game ends try-less. We want the players to get involved and are hoping this challenge will also inspire punters to dig deep and offer their monetary support,” Mr McAweeney said.

The total donation will be presented at the conclusion of the match to the Salvation Army, by Stirling Mortlock and Greg McAweeney.

“You know the adage ‘It doesn’t matter who wins or loses, it’s how you play the game that counts’? I think that has just been changed to ‘it’s how many tries you score that counts,” Mr McAweeney said.

The commitment by RaboDirect is additional to a donation by Rabobank, RaboDirect’s parent company, of $100,000 towards flood relief in affected rural areas.

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AFA Foundation Chair, Brian Boggs said, “It is truly heartbreaking to see the devastating floods sweeping throughout Queensland and Northern NSW. Our thoughts and prayers are with those and
their families during this natural disaster.”

Mr Boggs said the AFA Foundation is extending their support by raising funds to help those affected. Anyone wishing to contribute can do so by visiting http://www.afa.asn.au/members_qldfloods.php.

The AFA Foundation ensures that the community spirit of sharing is part of the AFA philosophy by raising funds for chosen charity partners and working with them to make a difference in the lives of people who need it most. The AFA Foundation has raised more than $200,000 for MS Research Australia and many thousands more for Make-A-Wish Australia and Save the Children. The AFA Foundation has also supported victims of the Victorian bushfires and has now pledged support for victims of the Queensland floods.

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Four grants totaling $41,000 were announced today by Future2, giving vital support to grassroots projects working to transform the lives of disadvantaged young Australians who are at risk.

The four were selected from over 20 applications, each endorsed by a local financial planning professional.  They are:

$10,000 to the Australian Children’s Music Foundation ‘s (ACMF) Youth at Risk Music Program (North Sydney NSW).  Application supported by John Tutt, FPA member.

$10,000 to Family Resource & Network Support Inc (FRANS) for a financial literacy program for young people with disabilities (Croydon NSW). Application supported by Guy Thornycroft, FPA Sydney Chapter committee member.

$6,000 to Galilee Inc for a Young Women’s Craft Group (Pearce, Canberra ACT).  Application supported by Philip Basche, former FPA ACT Chapter Chair and a director of Galilee.

$15,000 to Mission Australia’s Charcoal Lane training program (Melbourne, VIC).  Application supported by Julian Place, FPA Melbourne Chapter Chair.

Future2 Chair Steven Helmich said this year, the  fourth round of Future2 Make the Difference! Grants, the quality and relevance of applications to the selection criteria was higher than ever.

“We saw a wider geographic spread and greater engagement by financial planners.

“It was inspiring to read of the work being done to repair damaged lives, build essential skills and offer pathways to sustainable employment”, Mr Helmich said.

“The successful applicants each has a great track record of achievement and a passionate commitment to touching and improving the lives of young Australians who are marginalized and lacking the opportunities most of us take for granted”, he added.

Future2 made its first grants in 2007, the year of the Foundation’s establishment.  Each year since then trustees have made further grants under the Make the Difference! Grants program.  Including these latest grants, some $150,000 has been committed to community initiatives that are bringing a second chance and hope for a better future to financially and socially disadvantaged young Australians.

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Urban Descent will be held on Friday 22 October 2010, at the AMP Building Circular Quay to raise money for the Sir David Martin Foundation to assist young people in crisis.

The AMP Foundation will match fundraising efforts up to a maximum of $30,000 for this event.

Urban Descent is a unique series of adventure events which raise money for charities, originally founded in Western Australia when 100 participants descended 135 metres down the eastern face of the Allendale Square Building, situated on St Georges Terrace in the heart of the Perth CBD. It’s the first time Urban Descent is being held in Sydney.

AMP Financial Services Managing Director Craig Meller, who is taking up the 105 metre abseil challenge said: “Jumping off the side of our building, one of Sydney’s oldest sky scrapers, sounds like great fun. I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with many other AMP employees and raising money for a worthy cause at the same time.”

The Sir David Martin Foundation supports innovative and effective youth crisis programs run by Mission Australia to tackle drug, alcohol and mental health issues. One of its key programs is the Triple Care Farm, which provides an environment of peace and healing for emotionally hurt and troubled young people aged 16 to 24.

“AMP has a long history of supporting charities like Sir David Martin Foundation, which provide the community with essential facilities and services that are very much needed and deserved,” Mr Meller added.

For more information about the 2010 Urban Descent, or to make a donation, please go to http://www.gofundraise.com.au/-urbandescent.

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