Twenty-one teams from Accor hotels across the country participated in the inaugural Race to Survive: Mission Possible Australia, a three-day adventure challenge and raised an incredible $240,855.21 to benefit disadvantaged Australians through Mission Australia.
The hotel teams not only held fundraising events in their local communities but also competed in a gruelling three-day adventure challenge of strategy, strength and camping out on the Sunshine Coast last week. Australian Ironman and Ironwoman Champions, Matt Poole and Candice Falzone were also on hand to race teams to the finish line at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.
Accor Australia Vice President, Simon McGrath proudly presented a cheque for $240,855.21 to Mission Australia CEO Toby Hall at a celebration dinner at Novotel Twin Waters Resort on Friday 28 October.
Funds raised from Race to Survive will directly benefit Mission Australia services including Café One on Wickham (QLD) – connecting people and combating homelessness; MissionBeat (NSW) – combating homelessness; Charcoal Lane and Aboriginal Driver Education Program (VIC) – pathways to employment for Indigenous youth; Parents Staying Connected (TAS) – strengthening families and children; Youth Beat (SA) – empowering and supporting young people; Drug and Alcohol Youth Service, Yirra Rehabilitation Program and Youth Accommodation Support Service (WA) – providing pathways to a successful youth; and Saltwater Kitchen (NT) – pathways to employment for Indigenous youth.
Accor – Australia’s largest hotel group – has been a partner of Mission Australia for a number of years and, hence, it was a ‘natural’ for the two groups to launch the inaugural Race to Survive: Mission Possible.
“We are extremely proud of our Race to Survive teams who came together from all states and territories to compete under testing conditions in physical challenges to help Mission Australia transform the lives of disadvantaged Australians,” said McGrath.
“We are absolutely thrilled that the first Race to Survive in Australia was such an inspiring and heart-racing event. We would like to extend our thanks to the local communities who supported the teams during their fundraising efforts which has helped us to raise over $240,000 to help Mission Australia improve the lives of those less fortunate.
“Our hotels are very much part of their local communities and are committed to giving back through our partnership with Mission Australia. Race to Survive is just one initiative where we can help others in need and we look forward to doing it all over again next year,” he said.
Mission Australia CEO, Toby Hall added: “Overcoming disadvantage is challenging and complex, but through the support of initiatives such as Race to Survive: Mission Possible we can transform the lives of more people and create a fairer Australia for all.”