Hi. My name is Desiree and I’m the Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Royal Far West.
What do you do?
Firstly, a vital part of my role is to engage like-minded people to play an integral role in helping Royal Far West raise funds to improve the health and wellbeing of kids and families in rural and remote communities across Australia.
I dream up large and small-scale fundraising initiatives such as our Country Kids Christmas Table, where people were invited to host a dinner party at home with friends, who paid it forward by donating the cost of their meal to RFW.
Other events are school dances, where kids pay a gold coin donation to bust out their disco moves, and our yearly Branch Conference, where some of the amazing ladies and a couple of the men from our rural Branches come to stay with us in Manly for a few days to discuss the past year and our plans for the upcoming year.
Ride for Country Kids is our largest fundraising event of year where 80 bike riders will travel over 450km to raise much needed funds for the children we serve. Taking place in May this year, it will be all hands on deck for this huge event!
What led you to work at RFW?
Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, and we should help them. They deserve the best start to life, a healthy and happy one. I love that I am contributing to the future of country kids who wouldn’t be able to access services that they need without Royal Far West’s support.
Describe your typical day?
I’m often out and about in the community and meeting loads of thoughtful and generous people, which I love. It’s exciting to see more and more people getting together with their friends, school or workplace, challenging themselves in running events, marathons, or ocean swims, all the while raising money for the health and wellbeing of country kids.
What’s the best thing about working with families from rural and remote Australia?
While working at Royal Far West I’ve been privileged to meet a number of these families. They are the nicest people, with incredible life stories. Above all, they’re inspiring – living in country communities isn’t always easy, especially with the drought and bushfires.
I treasure what a farming family said to me: “times are tough, but so are we” .
Why do you love RFW?
Definitely the unique beach to bush connection. The beach heals my soul. I love that the beginning of Royal Far West’s story started with our founder Rev. Stanley Drummond recuperating while on the shores of Manly beach.
Contact details
Finally, if you’re interested in hosting your own community fundraising events to show kids you care, or you’re a keen cyclist, please call me on 1800 500 061 or email me at desireec@royalfarwest.org.au
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Find out more about fundraising for us
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with RFW events