Ready, set…buddy up!
Are you ready to take the Buddy Up Challenge? This November, embark on an adventure while raising funds to help improve the wellbeing of veterans and first responders. Get a buddy, or team of buddies and choose your challenge together. Experience something new, have fun and make a difference your way with the first ever Buddy Up Challenge.
The Challenge
Complete as many of our 50+ Challenge activities as you can with your buddy or team of buddies during the month of November. Try something new you haven’t done before, get fit, meet new people, make a difference and have fun!
It really doesn’t matter how you choose to challenge yourself. What matters is that you show up and commit for the challenge. You can swim a little, sing aloud or wear your pyjamas to the supermarket. You might even choose to do all three.
When you sign up you get access to your very own fundraising profile to log your challenge and track your progress. You can also interact with fellow challengers and upload pictures as you go.
Your impact
The funds you raise help Buddy Up Australia to make a positive difference in the lives of those who give so much to our community and country. We understand the unique challenges faced by our veterans and first responders and we want to give them the chance to create connections, build resilience and enhance their wellbeing.
At the heart of our organisation is community.
Across Australia, the various Buddy Up chapters organise social, activity-based and wellness events to bring members and their family together. This cultivates connection as our members share their experiences in a safe place where they feel they belong.
From regular park runs to quiz nights, theatre outings and yoga workshops, Buddy Up events are inclusive and fun. And the Buddy Up Challenge 2023 is for everyone.
“I absolutely love that there are activities for all levels and interests, a real effort is made to be inclusive which makes me feel less ‘broken”. Jane – member and volunteer
We empower veterans and first responders by creating a caring and supportive network where they can thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
As well as the popular events, Buddy Up offers volunteering opportunities, counselling sessions and education programs to keep our buddies in the well zone. We believe that all veterans, first responders and their families deserve tailor made support to manage their mental and physical wellbeing.
You Do You
You don’t have to run a marathon or shave your head to make a difference – you can do something social, something silly, something fun or something active. Literally anything goes. Pick a different activity each day, start a new habit or resolve to break a bad habit – make it a win-win. You do you. Raise funds and change your life both at the same time.
When you commit to the challenge you feel part of something because we’re in it together. You’ll be supported every step of the way. We’ll check in regularly and help you get set for fundraising success. And through our dedicated Facebook group we’ll cheer you on and offer words of inspiration.
And you don’t have to do it alone, if you prefer you can form a team with your friends, family or colleagues. Harness the energy of the group and come up with some fun challenge ideas, connect in new ways and celebrate your achievements together.
Win Win
Getting involved in the Buddy Up charity challenges won’t just help our members and their families; it also has a knock-on beneficial effect on your wellbeing too. Your effort will make a real difference to someone as you contribute to a cause bigger than you.
This act of giving stimulates the reward centre in the brain which releases feel good hormones - basically you feel happier and more connected to others. And there’s another benefit if you choose an active challenge like waking for 20 minutes each day because there’s the brilliant physical transformation too.
“Buddy Up Australia has been such a great organisation to be a part of. I have bushwalked, paddle boarded, rode, sketched and painted for the sheer physicality and/or enjoyment of connecting with a great bunch of ex-service and emergency service people and their families, cooked for the homeless and raised money to support similar activities for other veterans. Thanks for the opportunities and comradeship”. Deb - member
And as your biggest cheerleaders, we’ll celebrate your challenge milestones and rave about your fundraising efforts on our Buddy Up Challenge Facebook page.
Are you up for a challenge?
Buddy up this November and try something new, have fun and meet new people all while raising much-needed funds to help improve the well-being of veterans and first responders.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our heroes. Run, don’t walk to sign up and give your fundraising a head start.
Click Here to register today.
