ARA In The Community

ARA is proud to play an active part in supporting our community through sponsorships and volunteer support for deserving causes.

Community Sponsorships

The Male Bag Foundation

Long-time friend of ARA and AFL legend, David Parkin, is also patron of the oh-so-aptly named Male Bag Foundation (MBF). The MBF is a dedicated band of weekend warriors who raise funds for prostate cancer research and treatment, primarily by riding those iconic red Honda Postie bikes around the countryside. This year’s ride saw 18 blokes (including our intrepid leader, Alan Rimmer) ride over 2,000 kilometres in eight days – travelling around rural Victoria and NSW, supported by a hardy team of volunteers. To date, the Foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to fund research, resources and equipment for the detection and treatment of cancer and care for sufferers. It’s a point of great pride in the Foundation that participants in these rides pay their own way – bikes, accommodation, food and fuel - so that funds raised go entirely to this worthy cause. If you would like to find out more, you can visit the MBF’s website at:

www.themalebagfoundation.org.au

Arts Project Australia

Arts Project Australia supports artists with intellectual disabilities through their studio and gallery, by promoting their work and advocating for their inclusion in contemporary art practice. ARA has long been a strong supporter of the organisation. We have several examples of artists’ work on display throughout the office – something which allows us to further promote Arts Project’s wonderful work, and which adds a little colour to the meeting rooms! If you would like to find out more, you can visit their website here:

www.artsproject.org.au

Volunteer Support for charities

ARA provides up to three days annual leave per staff member per year so they can provide volunteer support services to causes important to them. Organisations supported in this way include:

Red Nose Day

Red Nose is a charity that works to eradicate sudden infant death syndrome. Each year, staff have participated in Red Nose Day - their major annual fundraising event to help save little lives.

SecondBite

SecondBite provides access to fresh, nutritious food for people in need by redistributing surplus fresh food to various community food programs. Staff have dedicated their time as Food Delivery Assistants - collecting and delivering crates upon crates of fresh food around Melbourne.

OxFam

For 60 years, Oxfam has been tackling poverty and empowering communities all over the world. In April 2019, Alan, our Managing Director and fearless leader, will take on the Trek to Tackle Poverty through the picturesque Sapa Valley in North Vietnam, raising funds and visiting communities where Oxfam projects are currently taking place.