30th September 2011
The 2011 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival proved to be a runaway success with over 350 registered Oasis runners proudly donning their red and white tees and pounding the pavement to help raise a massive $42,000 for our young people!
Waking up to a stunning (and sweltering!) spring day, the scene was set for the many bleary eyed Oasis
volunteers who stood steadfast at our Drink Station from 5:30am, with much needed hydration and cheers of support for our champion runners as they courageously pushed forward toward to the finish line.
No Oasis runner was left unattended after their incredible efforts, with all sweaty bodies welcomed into the decked out Oasis Marquee - complete with free heavenly massages by Jackies’s Sports Massage Therapy, delicious wraps, fruit and desserts by MMM Catering which were literally inhaled and gratefully washed down with ice cold drinks donated by Coca-Cola.
Sydney’s Face Painting in a Flash added colour and smiles to many faces, with more than one grown man walking away with a diamanté encrusted butterfly on their cheek.
The Hacky Sack competition drew some fierce competitors, but the boys from Scots College proved to be unbeatable, with student James Gavin taking out the title, closely followed by George Bundock, both of whom scored fabulous clothing and accessories from Running Bare.
Another winner, who can now ease the aches and pains of BSRF is Leah Callon Butler, who took home the $500 voucher towards Jackie’s Sports Massage Therapy from our Lucky Draw prize. Congratulations Leah – we are all green with envy after experiencing the magical hands of Jackie and her awesome team!
We would also like to recognise the stellar efforts of David Linco, our highest individual fundraiser for Oasis who personally raised $4,600 and who has deservingly scored a three month Virgin Active Gym Membership. Congratulations David!
Oasis would also like shine the spotlight on Australian swimming legend and media personality Elka Whalan who helped to raise awareness of Oasis in the lead up to and on the day of the event…we can’t thank you enough for powerwalking your (soon to be) family of four, across the finish line in support of Oasis.
All money raised will be going directly into the innovative services and programs Oasis provides to homeless and disadvantaged young people on a day to day basis.
Be sure to check out some of the stellar shots taken from the day on our Oasis Facebook page.
We are eternally grateful to all the incredible people who took any part in this amazing day!
You are all super stars and we hope to see you sweating it out again for us next year.
8th September 2011
The Salvation Army’s Oasis Youth Support Network is proud to boast one of our very own, Simone Chartres, who is courageously taking up the gruelling challenge of running the full marathon at the 2011 Blackmores Sydney Running Festival.
Having already successfully completed several half marathons, Simone jumped at the opportunity to complete her first full marathon and combine her love of running with her passion for supporting disadvantaged youth.
“Not only is running the actual marathon important to me, but also raising much needed funds for Oasis, to ensure more disadvantaged young people can have access to life changing services,” said Ms Chartres.
Simone developed a strong passion for working with disadvantaged young people during her psychology internship at Oasis.
Working as a registered psychologist and case worker, Simone is a vital and valued member of the Oasis family, helping to support at-risk young people living inSydney’s north, through the Youth Connections educational program.
“The work that I am currently undertaking with Oasis has been beyond rewarding. It is amazing to see the positive changes in the lives of young people who have previously lacked support and direction,” said Simone.
While Simon’s personal fundraising target of $1,100 has been well and truly smashed she continues to raise the bar high and hopes to double this amount before next weekend.
On behalf of Oasis, we are so incredibly proud of you Simone and we wish you the best of luck for the 42km’s that’s ahead of you next weekend. If you would like to support Simone’s run for Oasis please visit here.
