Up All Night for a good cause

Thirty-five members of the Fortescue Family stepped into the shoes of West Australian families with sick children, as they stayed ‘Up All Night’ to complete an overnight walking marathon to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities WA (RMHC).

Fortescue’s partnership with RMHC was established in 2012 and has resulted in employees contributing over A$1 million to the charity through a variety of fundraising activities and major events.

With over 500 of Fortescue’s employees living the Pilbara with their families and so many more residing outside the metropolitan area, RMHC is an organisation which we are proud to support as they look after regional families in need of assistance.

This year, team members took part in ‘Up All Night’ which is based on the concept of allowing participants to walk in the shoes of parents of seriously ill children who experience many sleepless nights as they care for their family.

Thanks to over $70,000 in donations from Fortescue team members, which was generously matched by the Forrest Family, Team Fortescue raised over $143,000 for Ronald McDonald House.

And in an amazing accomplishment, Fortescue team member Carol Wynne raised over $7,000 making her the highest individual fundraiser for the entire event.

For Carol, the opportunity to fundraise and challenge herself was the perfect incentive to take part.  

“I was fortunate enough to participate in the Make-A-Meal Challenge in 2015 and had the privilege of talking to the children and families staying at Ronald McDonald House at the time. I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity to raise much needed funds for a great cause,” Carol said.

“The added bonus for me was the personal challenge and the sense of accomplishment that came with crossing the finishing line.

“And to be honest, it was not as tough as I thought it was going to be – the toughest part was the last 10 kilometres walking with blisters on both feet – that I was not expecting!”

Carol attributes her success at fundraising to the generosity of friends, family and the Fortescue Family who got behind her to support RMHC.

“The support I have received from work colleagues has been amazing – leading up to and after the event as well.”