A local non for profit has pushed volunteers in grueling boot camp—and raised over $330,000 in the process
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Forget SAS Australia—the Terry Campese Foundation has raised over $330,000 for the local community during a grueling 30-hour physical and mental boot camp which took place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February.
With 25 volunteer recruits competing to raise as much money as possible in the unique Special Forces Challenge, (with ‘special treatment’ planned by the military personnel for the highest and lowest fundraisers…because that’s not ominous at all) the funds are being used to improve the lives of youth and vulnerable people in the ACT region.
Raising an incredible $330,680 for the Terry Campese Foundation’s Youth Mentor Program, Queanbeyan Sleepbus, Respite Care for QBN, and Cam’s Cause (topping last year’s total of $237,688) the very special fundraising torture—we mean challenge—means the Terry Campese Foundation can continue to invest in support services that provide hope, care, kindness, and connection to those who need it.
“I am as impressed as I am grateful,” says Terry Campese.
“The community has really gotten behind the challenge. I’ve had more people volunteer to be recruited than we’ve had space, and this year’s group has raised a seriously outstanding amount that’s going to make a huge difference.”
The Special Forces Challenge recruits.
And while it started with blood, sweat, and tears as the volunteers followed the orders of elite military staff, ultimately, they had a good time.
“I found the 30-hour timeframe both daunting and exciting. We had to live in the moment and tackle whatever was thrown at us—teamwork and good communication was a critical component,” says recruit Jonathan Dawson.
“I enjoyed facing up to the challenge of most of the activities, but separating grains of rice in the middle of the night was mental drudgery. Getting to meet the Youth Mentor Program participants on the Sunday morning was definitely a highlight.”
Fellow recruit Brodie Honey agrees.
“I’ve done bootcamps before, but not like this. It was interesting learning different techniques from the military staff, like how to waterproof our gear to make it through the water crossing,” she says.
“The hardest part was definitely the heat and not knowing when it would end. But we all survived and are no doubt better for it. We all learned a lot about ourselves. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Keen on a bit of sweaty fun for a good cause? For more information on the charity, the challenge, the recruits, or to make a donation, visit terrycampesefoundation.org.au
Feature image: Terry Campese and Jeremy Howell.
