We sat down with a group of our incredible fundraisers – Seamus, Lachlan, Nicholas, Veno and Connor – to hear what drives them, what a typical day looks like, and the moments that have stuck with them. From first-day nerves to unforgettable interactions with families who’ve benefited from RFW’s services, their stories are full of heart, grit, and purpose.
What inspired you to become a F2F Fundraiser for RFW?
Seamus: Didn’t know I wanted to do it until I started, fell in love with chatting to people about a great cause and making a positive impact while challenging myself.
Lachlan: I knew I was going to get great interpersonal skills for my career whilst helping a phenomenal cause. Huge win-win.
Nicholas: Didn’t know if I’d enjoy it but have loved it since day one—meeting new people, growing new skills and challenging myself has been fun.
Veno: Personally, I love helping kids and having a huge impact in their lives. I believe doing F2F fundraising for RFW has given me a great opportunity to fulfill my desire to support children who are in need.
Connor: Wasn’t too sure if I would’ve enjoyed this job but from day one the whole experience has just been amazing, and the best part is getting to help an amazing charity.
What’s a typical day like—and how do you stay motivated when it gets tough?
Seamus: A lot of No’s and challenges, but such satisfaction and gratitude when you find the right person at the right time to make a positive impact. I won’t remember the person that said no in 5 years, but I’ll remember the amount of people I was able to sign up and the difference that makes.
Lachlan: It’s tiring, and you hear a lot of No’s, but every new person is different. I zoom out and think about the bigger picture. One tough day doesn’t mean I’m not good or capable.
Nicholas: We start with pitch practice, then set up at our site. You’ll get a lot of No’s, but 15–20 meaningful conversations make it worth it. Keeping perspective is key.
Veno: It’s fun—we talk to the community, work toward KPIs, and improve our communication skills. When it gets tough, I remind myself why I’m out there. No matter how hard the day is, it’s not harder than what a disadvantaged child goes through.
Connor: A day in the field is tough but becomes really worth it when you have those conversations that change your day—and theirs. I stay at 100% energy because I want the best possible experience for every family I speak to.
What’s the most memorable interaction you’ve had while fundraising?
Seamus: Meeting a Royal Far West OT in a country town who took care of the whole area herself—getting to put a face to the name and cause we were raising for.
Lachlan: Signed up a mum in the morning and then her daughter in the afternoon. The chances of both coming over on the same day were crazy.
Nicholas: A family in Dubbo who had all been to the centre in Manly over 40–50 years. Seeing how important it had been for their lives was awesome.
Veno: An elderly man whose grandkid went through RFW in Manly. He was so thankful and appreciative—it justified all our hard work in the field.
Connor: Met a family in Dubbo who started crying when they saw me—her four children had all been through Royal Far West. It was amazing to hear their stories and see the impact.
What does it feel like when someone says “yes”?
Seamus: Feels like I’ve connected someone to a bigger community and helped them spend their money on something meaningful.
Lachlan: Always a cool feeling. I feel grateful and honoured to help someone make a great decision.
Nicholas: It’s great personally, but I always make sure they know how much it means to the charity and the families.
Veno: Incredible and emotional—people share our vision for the kids. Every “yes” gets us one step closer to helping children in need.
Connor: Amazing feeling hearing “yes,” knowing I helped someone support a great cause.
How do you explain Royal Far West’s mission to someone new?
Seamus: Making sure kids, no matter where they are, get the best chance and opportunities in life.
Lachlan: A children’s charity improving kids’ mental health across the country. Kids in the bush have poorer healthcare, so RFW brings them to Manly for access to professionals.
Nicholas: Ensuring disadvantaged kids around Australia get the same opportunities and help as those in cities.
Veno: I share RFW’s history and explain how we support children nationwide to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Connor: Their mission is to change the lives of kids in country towns through mental health and wellbeing support.