Meet our Top Fundraisers for the 2024 Hike for Homeless Youth!

Leading the pack is Todd Pepper from Alceon QLD, setting the bar high with an incredible fundraising total of over $25,000!

Joining Todd are 14 other industry leaders as they embark on the challenge of conquering two challenging mountains in Queensland’s Scenic Rim on April 19-20.

These dedicated hikers are fundraising for vital homeless building projects, including Haven House Kingaroy with South Burnett CTC, providing transitional housing for at-risk young people, and the Logan Hub with Lady Musgrave Trust, offering transitional housing for vulnerable young mothers and their children in Logan.

Our Hike for Homeless Youth walkers are in the last few weeks of training for their trek through Queensland’s Scenic Rim on 19-20 April. As a team, the intrepid hikers have crossed the halfway mark towards their $120,000 fundraising target and have raised nearly $70,000. Great work, team! Their 120K goal has added meaning: tonight, 120,000 young Australians will be without a safe and secure place to sleep.

“We will master this challenging day, that pales compared to the difficulties faced every single day by the people we serve.”

Maureen Collins, National Grants & Foundations Manager for the property Industry Foundation 

A special mention to our newly onboarded Property Industry Foundation staffer Maureen Collins, National Grants & Foundations Manager, who has stepped in at the last minute to take on the 20km hike. “Friendships will be built; teamwork will rise,” says Maureen. “We will master this challenging day, that pales compared to the difficulties faced every single day by the people we serve. The Foundation aims to build 300 bedrooms by 2025 and we are about to start two Haven Projects here in Queensland, one in Logan and one in regional Kingaroy. Let’s get one more young person off the streets tonight!”

An amazing effort from the 18 passionate industry supporters who strapped on their hiking boots and took on a 20km day hike through Queensland’s challenging Scenic Rim for Hike for Homeless Youth 2024. Funds raised go towards vital projects such as Haven House Kingaroy with South Burnett CTC, providing transitional housing for at-risk young people, and the Logan Hub with Lady Musgrave Trust, offering transitional housing for vulnerable young mothers and their children in Logan.

The group met for a dinner before their adventure and were inspired by 16-year-old Mason from ESuave who gave a heartfelt talk on his lived experience of homelessness. “We had the privilege of meeting Mason, an absolutely outstanding teenager who has already endured so much in life that most of us could never even imagine,” said hiker Riye Arai-Coupe, from Bluebird Property. “Mason shared how he was homeless for seven months, sleeping in tents, in bus shelters, and having to break into McDonalds playgrounds for a ‘safe’ place to sleep. He talked of little kids he knew as young as eight deserted and taking up shelter alone in abandoned houses here on the Gold Coast. My daughter is 8 years old. I could never imagine leaving her alone, even in our warm, safe home.”

The following day the team tackled the twin peaks of Mt Mitchell and Mt Cordeaux. While the walk was physically challenging, our intrepid walkers were up to the task, powering through the steep uphill sections and soaking up the incredible mountain views at the top. “It was such a great experience,” said hiker Annabelle Aland, from Allens. “Every hill we climbed symbolised the uphill battle faced by these young individuals, striving for stability and a place to call home. Seeing industry leaders come together, pushing their limits for such a profound cause, is incredibly moving. We hike for a day, but the funds and awareness we raise support relieves some of the immense pressure these young people carry every day.”

“It was incredible two days spent hiking two mountains in the Scenic Rim! It was amazing to be surrounded by such wonderful people who came together to raise over $120k, and counting, for a great cause. A shoutout to the Property Industry Foundation for organising such a successful event. There’s still time to donate – let’s continue to make a difference in our community!”

Ben Teague, Molti

Sal Guardala, Chair of the QLD Board of Advisors, who also completed the hike said projects like Haven House Kingaroy and the Logan Hub create opportunities for education, employment, and personal development, paving a path toward independence and resilience. “Every dollar raised brings us closer to our target of building 300 bedrooms by 2025. The hike is challenging, but nothing compared to the challenges confronting young Queenslanders and Australians facing homelessness,” Sal said. “Through events like these, we not only raise funds but also hope and awareness about the critical challenges faced by homeless youth in our community.”

Todd Peppers, from Alceon Queensland, raised over $42K, after setting an initial fundraising goal of $5000. “I increased my initial target from $5,000 to $25,000 and even that was eclipsed,” Todd said. “I’m genuinely overwhelmed by the support from my friends and clients, and I look forward to sharing with them where these funds have been deployed and the lives they have changed. The Foundation’s initiatives lead to long-lasting improvements, ensuring that young individuals have access to stable housing and can rebuild their lives.”