Share this:
Australian businessmen, Paul Tobin, Michael Brial and Mark Patterson, who joined forces to raise money for The Smith Family, have just returned home after completing the gruelling 3V Challenge. The team successfully climbed three of New Zealand’s volcanoes, two of them active.
Their tremendous efforts raised over $70,000 with donations still coming in for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life suite of programs, which provides opportunities for disadvantaged Australian children to maximise and enhance their educational experiences.
The team are still hoping to reach their initial goal of $100,000 so it’s not too late to donate at www.thesmithfamily.com.au/3VEXP
With the support of Fitness First and Adrenalin (who designed the challenging, but safe expedition), the three men travelled to New Zealand late last week determined to conquer all three peaks in three days. Originally set as a 36 hour challenge, the fit
fathers managed to conquer all three volcanoes in just under 34 hours, an outstanding feat considering the level of difficulty involved with the hikes.
The men endured a staggering 40 kilometres on unexpectedly rugged terrain, which was mostly untracked. They struggled through thick volcanic ash that made it difficult to hike at a fast pace.
Paul Tobin, the brainchild behind the 3V Challenge says, “At the end, we were tired and sore, but the view from the tops of the volcanoes made the climbing worth it.”
“Most importantly though, we’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished, especially raising money to help The Smith Family provide educational opportunities for Aussie kids. We’re actually already planning for next year’s challenge so we can help even more kids,” he said.
All three men chose to undertake the 3V Challenge as they firmly believe that supporting a child’s education and learning is one of the most effective ways to help them unlock opportunities in later life.
The Smith Family’s suite of interconnecting educational programs and financial assistance gives disadvantaged Aussie kids the basics they need for school such as textbooks and school uniforms, as well as access to personal support and development programs they need to overcome the setbacks they’ve already faced.
AAP