2011 : October

Seeds of hope are beginning to sprout at the Salvation Army’s Indigenous Ministries in North Ipswich thanks to the hard work of Oasis’ Champions, who all got their hands dirty building a community garden during a recent mission trip to Queensland.

“Champions” is a six month leadership program between Virgin Unite and Oasis, in which a number of inspiring young people connect with dedicated Virgin employees and form strong reciprocal bonds as they support each other through the lessons of life.

All members share the common goal of becoming articulate advocates against youth homelessness with the strong belief that anyone can make a success of their life if given the opportunity.

Whilst a large part of the program involves speaking engagements, Champion members are also committed to leading by example and undertook this mission trip as a means of turning words into action - through service to the community.

All alarm clocks were set for the crack of dawn last Friday morning to catch their 6am flight to Brisbane and by 8.30am they were already knee-deep in the red soil of the Indigenous Ministries gardens in Ipswich.

In addition to getting their hands dirty, our hard working Champions also generated the funds to build the community garden through the fundraising initiatives Make Over Your Mobile ($4,000) and Lycra Like Ya Care ($2,000).

Jason Poutawa (Head of the Oasis Friday Freeway Program) who took part in the trip noted that the building of a garden was not only practical, but also served a symbolic function for the community who had suffered much devastation as a result of the Queensland Floods.

“We wanted the garden to represent planting seeds of hope for the future of the community,” said Jason.

In addition to a vegetable and citrus garden, there was also a lot set aside as a memorial garden for people to come and plant a tree in the memory of loved ones who lost their lives.

The Champions barely had time to shake off the dirt before they were back on the bus to Brisbane for special dinner hosted by their Queensland counterparts.

All had the opportunity to reflect on the year that had been and discuss the incredible benefits of being part of this life changing program.

“There was an awesome sense of community and family which is a rare experience for many of our young people in the program,” said Jason. “It was like visiting cousins.” 

Saturday was another big day for the family of Champions, although this time it was their turn to enjoy the fruits of their labour with a much deserved visit to Dreamworld.

The trip wrapped up on Sunday, with one last visit to Ipswich to share in a community lunch and take stock of the beautiful garden and celebrate an inspiring and successful weekend.

Sadly this marked the last official engagement for the 2011 Champions but we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate with them in all they have achieved over the past year and wish them the best of luck for the future.

Team Oasis

If you happened to pass Virgin Active in Pitt Street Mall on Sunday 25 September you may have been forgiven for thinking there was an Olivia Newton John revival happening.

With over 75 participants sporting their best spandex for the Lycra Like Ya Care charity challenge, big-hearted lycra lovers came together in a massive 3 hour sweat-a-thon to help raise a massive $2000 for flood affected communities in Northern Queensland.

Hosted by Virgin Money, Virgin Active and the Oasis Champions, each brave participant donated a $25 entry fee and completed a gruelling circuit of back to back fitness classes in Zumba, Cycling, Yoga, Body Attack and Boxing, with even the fittest of the fit showing signs of fatigue by the final rotation.

All funds raised from the event went towards a community garden which has been built by the Oasis Champions for the flood-affected, Salvation Army’s Indigenous Ministries in North Ipswich.

Many of the incredible participants walked away with more than just exhausted muscles, thanks to the generosity of the Virgin Money and Virgin Active who raffled off a bevy of amazing prizes including wine, mobile phones and a much sought after gym memberships to Virgin Active Health Clubs.

Oasis would like to send out a massive thanks to all the amazing participants who came together to make Lycra Like Ya Care such an incredibly fun and successful day. You are all super stars for surviving the day!

A big shout out goes to Virgin Money, Virgin Active and of course our phenomenal Oasis Champions for organising this stellar event.

Word on the street is Lycra Like Ya Care could soon become an annual event, with talks of Virgin Active holding simultaneous sweat-a-thons across their Sydney clubs.

Watch this space, friends! We look forward to sweating it out with you again next time!

Team Oasis  

There aren't many people who will truly attempt to test their physical limits and fly across the other side of the world - all for a charity. When Oasis found out about Belinda Gurd and her dream to climb to Mount Everest Base Camp to raise funds for our crisis accommodation services, we were beyond humbled and inspired!

Here's Bel's story...

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Growing up on the Northern Beaches in Sydney, I’m in love with Summer. I work for Virgin Atlantic doing their PR, and I’m totally crazy about travelling.  I want to go to every weird and wonderful place the world has to offer. I think you are the best version of yourself when you’re exploring the world, challenging yourself, experience new things and meeting new people.

Why are you fundraising for Oasis?

Working with the Oasis program, Champions, for nearly six months, it was a total no-brainer to raise money for Oasis. Champions is an amazing initiative – representatives from each Virgin Company in Australia get together once a week with a group of extremely inspiring young people, working together, much like a think tank, to come up with ways to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against Youth Homelessness.

These kids inspire me every week and remind me of what life is really about. Anything I can do to help Oasis achieve their goals of supporting young people in crisis means more young people can get the help they need to turn their lives around.

Just how BIG is the climb?

Base Camp is 5364 metres but we will take the longer route, going past the south side of Everest called the Chola pass, reaching an altitude of 5483 metres. Taking about 25 days of walking in total, this route gives amazing views of Everest and the surrounding ranges.

What will you miss the most during your trek? A shower!

What will keep you going on the ascent?

The young people I get to spend time with every Wednesday night.   Walking up a mountain is nothing compare to what some of these amazing young people have been through and come out the other side of.  They are truly amazing humans, so I think that’s the thought that will keep me going.

Part of the climb you’re most looking forward to? The moment I get to the highest point. It’s going to be breath-taking and such an achievement.

Tell us about your training regime?

I’ve been training for about 6 months, roughly 3 - 5 times a week. For the past two months I’ve been doing some sort of physical activity every day including spin classes, pump classes, free weights, yoga, long long long walks, running up and down stairs and as of two weeks ago I started training at Altitude.

 Top tips for those planning to follow in your footsteps?

Start exercising early – The stronger you are the more enjoyable. Get your gear online and sent from the US or UK – it’s waaaay cheaper. Start Altitude training about a month out - it helps you get fitter quicker and gives you a great indication of how well your body responds to Altitude. Eat loads.

What’s next for Belinda Gurd?! Kokoda!

If you are as inspired as we are with Belinda’s incredible trek for Oasis please click here and show your support!