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PKF Gold Coast staff participated in a 40km hike over nine hours, to help raise $6000 for the AEIOU Foundation.
Three teams from the accounting and business advisory joined the Take a Hike challenge last Sunday, to support local children with autism.
Office manager Ellen Dennis says PKF Gold Coast chooses a low-profile charity to support each month.
“This month’s particular charity of choice is close to one of our staff member’s heart who has a friend with children on the autistic spectrum,” Dennis says.
“After hearing about what the AEIOU Foundation and what its early intervention program has done to help these children and their families, it was an easy decision to want to help them.”
The teams started at 3.30am from Tweed Heads, with half crossing the 40km line at 1.30pm at the Southport Spit.
“The hike was not only a physical challenge, but a mental one as well. While our feet and legs were aching, our minds were pushing us to keep going to cross the finish line together.
“Proof of the theory that if you say you can – you can,” she says.
The coastline views made the nine hour trek worth it in the end, as well as a meeting with two children who have benefited from AEIOU’s early intervention program.
“We also got to meet Aaliyah and Kobe, which was an extra special way to finish the day.”
Dennis says more businesses should get involved with charitable causes, to give back to the community and come together as a team.
“We are more than just number crunchers. We care about our community and this is a way of giving back – getting involved is beneficial for both the charity and the business involved.
“We use these causes not only to help raise funds and awareness for the charity of choice, but also as an opportunity to get everyone at PKF Gold Coast together to assist with boosting staff morale.”
Dennis was part of the PKF Happy Feet cohort, along with Breanna James, Kelly Devine and Lyndell Armstrong.
Tania Katene, Rebecca Gleeson, Kira Tarrant and Calinda Ujdur made up PKF Sole Mates, with Trudy Walsh, Charmaine Knott, Joanne McErlean and Jason Martinagua in PKF Crazy Ones.
Dennis says it’s not too late to donate, with the team fundraising pages available on the AEIOU website.
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