A former Chair of the FPA and one of the leading lawyers to the financial services industry are in training to cycle 1250km from Bourke to Sydney (7-16 September 2011).  Their target is to raise $100,000 – funds that will give a second chance to some of Australia’s most disadvantaged young people.

Ray Griffin and Peter Bobbin are challenging other financial planners, their colleagues and friends, to join them on the 10-day ride, or a section of it, or to get together a team to compete in the Wheel Classic Prologue on 4 September in Sydney.

“The generosity of corporate sponsors has got our fundraising off to a great start”, said Peter Bobbin, Future2 trustee and Principal, Argyle Lawyers.  “Now we’re looking to the wider financial planning community to do their bit – either by cycling with us, or by sponsoring an individual cyclist or a team.”

All funds raised will go to Future2, the foundation of the Australian financial planning profession, whose grants program has gifted over $150,000 to charities and not for profit bodies working at the grassroots to transform young lives at risk through social exclusion and financial disadvantage.

The inaugural BT Future2 Wheel Classic in 2010 raised $88,000 through a combination of sponsorship, fundraising events and individual donations.

“We’re confident that there’s enough generosity of spirit out there to enable us to reach – and exceed – our target”, said Ray Griffin, a keen amateur cyclist and former Certified Financial Planner professional.

“I was inspired by my father, Jack, who followed the same route in 1955 on the Daily Telegraph-sponsored Bourke to Sydney tour”, Griffin added.  “Much of the road then was rough and untarred;  today the road conditions are very different and we face the added challenge of taking time out of busy lives to do something that’s going to be a force for good.”

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BT Future2 Wheel Classic 2011 – Options for cyclists

Wheel Classic Prologue

Morning of Sunday 4 September. Team- based  individual  time trials – approximately 2 km on a closed Sydney circuit

Bourke to Sydney

Wednesday 7 – Friday 16 September (1250 km)

Orange to Sydney

Monday 12 – Friday 16 September (503 km)

‘Executive Stage’, Orange to Cowra

Monday 12 September (103 km)

Home run’ executive leg

Friday 16 September (25 km +). Five  laps of Centennial Park and on to the finish line in Martin Place, Sydney

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Click to register for the ride, or support a rider

or click for more information about the BT Future2 Wheel Classic 2011

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In addition, the AMP Capital Infrastructure Debt Fund has made its first investment, securing a £40 million high yielding loan to a leading UK based rolling stock company specialising in the leasing of passenger trains and freight locomotives.

AMP Capital Global Head of Infrastructure Debt Andrew Jones said fundraising had exceeded expectations.

“We are very pleased to achieve subscriptions of €241 million against the backdrop of what remains a very challenging fundraising market. Demand has been strong from institutional investors in Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. In particular, interest from investors in Japan has been so strong we now offer a Japanese Yen feeder fund to go along with the US Dollar feeder funds,” Mr Jones said.

“This early success means AMP Capital is well positioned to take advantage of the attractive risk adjusted returns available in the infrastructure debt space. We anticipate this investment will provide attractive risk adjusted returns for our investors in the form of regular cash coupons underpinned by a very stable and experienced borrower,” Mr Jones said.

The portfolio will consist of investments in the subordinated debt of 10 to 15 companies headquartered in OECD countries in the essential services of water, gas, electricity, transport and hospitals. The Fund will target defensive assets with high barriers to entry, a regulated environment, highly visible cash flows and strong industry positions.

“We expect to take a lead arranging role in the majority of transactions, with our focus on adding value through originating, structuring and leading pricing and terms discussions. Through our role as a key provider of subordinated debt to the infrastructure sector for over a decade, we are currently partnering with leading sponsors to pursue an exciting deal pipeline of current opportunities,” Mr Jones concluded.

The largest insurance group in China and the world’s largest listed life insurance company, China Life Insurance (Group) Company, through its subsidiaries, was a cornerstone investor in the Fund alongside Funds managed by AMP Capital. AMP and China Life formed a strategic partnership in 2009 to explore areas for partnership in pensions and asset management. The investors in the AMP Capital Infrastructure Debt Fund include life insurance, pension funds and multi manager investment funds based in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

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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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