The Macquarie Group Foundation: a key component of the success of the 20/twenty Challenge
The partnership between the Macquarie Group Foundation and the 20/twenty Challenge began 8 years ago. The event was initiated in 2004 by James Hodgkinson, a former Macquarie Group Executive Director and a Governor of Cerebral Palsy Alliance. James was inspired by his nephew Alex Graham who has cerebral palsy (CP).
The Macquarie Group Foundation has been the major sponsor of the event since the inaugural event and, together with Macquarie staff and the community, has contributed over $3 million for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. These funds have provided almost 1600 items of life-changing equipment to support children with cerebral palsy and their families.
James Hodgkinson says the 20/twenty Challenge has received overwhelming support from Macquarie Group and staff. “This support has helped translate an idea into a much needed reality.”
Macquarie employees have always played an enormous part in the success of 20/twenty. More than 350Macquariestaff members have participated in the event, donated and volunteered on the day. The event brings to life key principles of Macquarie Group, namely, ‘Integrity, Fulfilment and Teamwork.’
Historically Macquarie Group staff have made up the bulk of participants and have whole heartedly embraced the cause. The event has grown through their supporters and networks over the years and now has more than 200 participants. Macquarie staff member Michael Price told us:
‘I love the team work, the physical challenge and the competition elements of 20/twenty. But what makes all the hard work really worthwhile? It’s that we can make a real difference to children with CP. I like working for an organisation which cares about helping others.’
Awareness of cerebral palsy has also grown at Macquarie and Cerebral Palsy Alliance has gratefully received volunteer support for other events: sports carnivals, Christmas activities, the Easter Show, the Bridge Run and garden makeovers. Cerebral Palsy Alliance has benefited from over 1226 volunteer hours from 305 Macquarie staff.
Thanks to the Macquarie Group Foundation together with their amazing staff, for the support and commitment they have shown towards children with cerebral palsy and the 20/twenty Challenge.
About The Macquarie Group Foundation
The Macquarie Group Foundation is one of Australia's oldest and largest corporate benefactors. Established to formalise Macquarie Group's community involvement program, it also builds and strengthens staff involvement and engagement in community activity in the many cities around the world in which Macquarie has offices. In the 12 months to 31 March 2011, Macquarie staff raised and/or donated $A10.1 million, which the Foundation matched in addition to its continuing grants to community organisations, taking Macquarie's total contribution to the community to $A27.8 million. In addition, Macquarie's staff provided many hours of support to not-for-profit organisations in a volunteer, pro bono, board and executive capacity.
