Run Beyond was very fortunate to receive a grant from the North Shore Coaching College Charity Foundation this year. The grant, in memory of Mrs Demi Mak, provides for the cost of running equipment to schools and communities and was generously presented to Run Beyond to assist students to participate in the Project and achieve goals “beyond the finish line”.
As our supporters are keenly aware, the cost of living crisis has impacted the charity sector severely, with most charities experiencing a decrease in donations but, particularly in the case of Run Beyond, an increase in demand for the programs. This year saw Run Beyond graduate a mammoth 16 cohorts, with 136 students from around New South Wales and the Northern Territory participating in the Program. This increase in demand is already looking to be surpassed in the coming year, with some very deserving schools, from Campbelltown to Coomealla, on our waitlist for 2024.
While the reach of Run Beyond grows each year, our equipment costs relating to apparel remain our highest out of pocket, non-negotiable expense, and these costs of course increase proportionally with the Programs growth. Wearing The Run Beyond Project t-shirt is a major component of the Program – it identifies our students as part of an aspirational group, and contributes significantly to their sense of belonging, both to their school cohort, and to an organisation that celebrates their progress and achievements beyond the school community.
The sense of belonging is perhaps best encapsulated by one of our Nambucca Heads High School graduates – ““I now know what it feels like to be part of a team.”
The impact is also noted by parents, with one parent comment on our social media pages this year reading “The Run Beyond Project have given (them) so much inspiration and drive to succeed! What a great team to be a part of! (They have) absolutely loved being a part of the team! Thank you!”
The North Shore Coaching College Charity Foundation Grant Funds will ensure our apparel expenses are covered for 2024. A large proportion of these expenses are now guaranteed, giving our 2024 students the opportunity to identify as part of a team dedicated to the development of their personal and social capabilities.
The generous support of the North Shore Coaching College in memory of Mrs Demi Mak, will have a lasting and positive impact on our growing waitlist of students and teachers and they, along with all our volunteers, are extremely appreciative of this kind show of support and confidence.
RBP receives North shore coaching college foundation grant
Twenty-four teams managed to complete Beyond Borders Virtual Run by covering the 876 kilometres in the 3 week period, with The Mile(age) High Club covering an amazing 3,332km, Goats covering 2,774km and KEO 9 Sole Mates covering 2,245km. Congratulations to The Mile(age) High Club who not only covered the greatest distance, but were also first across the line, winning each of their team members a $600 voucher from our great supporter, On.
On the fundraising front, it was an amazing year with support coming in for runners undertaking marathons around the world and culminating in Rhodes Runners undertaking a special challenge on the final day – a Parramatta to Sydney Opera House run!
In total, more than $55,000 was raised over the three weeks…that equates to around 5 new schools being able to join Run Beyond next year!
A special thanks goes out to all of our teams including our long time, and year round, supporters Rhodes Runners, Sydney Striders, and On Running and, for the first time in 2024, KEO International Consultants, who fielded an incredible 13 teams with 130 participants and donated an amazing $25,000!
Overall it was a fantastic effort by all teams and individuals and an effort that will see us able to bring the Project to many more schools in 2025!
Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of our supporters, On Running, Knightswood House, Sydney Striders, Second Skin, Three Bridges Run and Ultra Series Australia.
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