In an email to clients on Tuesday, SMSF Alliance principal David Busoli announced that the firm’s general manager, Emma Walker, would be running an ultramarathon in New Zealand in support of NSW wildlife charity WIRES on 23 February.
“Inspired by the devastation to our natural wildlife from the ongoing bushfire crisis, our general manager Emma has dedicated her gruelling seven-day ultramarathon run across New Zealand’s rugged terrain to raise funds for WIRES, a wildlife rescue service,” Mr Busoli said.
“We and our wildlife would be grateful for any contribution you may make to this worthy cause.”
Ms Walker has raised over $1,000 for WIRES so far, with a goal of $3,230 before the 323-kilometre Alps2Ocean race kicks off on New Zealand’s Mount Cook.
SMSF Alliance joins a number of other businesses in the SMSF and broader financial services community that have launched fundraising efforts in support of bushfire relief.
Last week, actuarial certificate provider Act2 Solutions announced it would donate all profits from certificates purchased on Monday, 20 January, to WIRES and the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal.
In addition, SMSF lender La Trobe Financial has donated $1 million in support of bushfire relief and is providing hardship assistance to customers impacted by fires, while it is also offering five days paid emergency volunteer leave to staff.
Fund manager Perpetual has also donated $100,000 to the Salvation Army bushfire appeal, is matching additional staff donations and helping to collect materials that can be made into pouches for WIRES to distribute to injured and homeless koalas and kangaroos.
In addition, global investment manager JP Morgan has committed $US300,000 to the Australian Red Cross as well as an additional $US200,000 to local organisations supporting sustainability and resilience efforts, as well as established a donation matching program for all employees globally.
