A Good Man | At Our Disability Accommodation

Many of us out there have done some form of community fundraising at one point or another. As well as changing the lives of others, taking on a challenge for charity benefits everyone involved  in ways we may never think of.

Take Marcus for instance, one of our residence at our disability accommodation. Never one to shy away from a good cause, Marcus’ natural attitude of wanting to help others has seen him getting involved and raising money for a range of charities and non profit organisations over the years.  Of course the main aim is to help out a worthwhile cause, but in doing so, Marcus has  also enjoyed a sense of fulfillment and selflessness, and has been a valued, active member of his community in a  meaningful way. His physical fitness and mental wellbeing have both  benefited, and he has experienced that wonderful feeling of knowing  he is making a difference in other people’s lives.

Marcus was one of the first to sign up for the 12 hour Treadmill Challenge to raise funds for Very Special Kids. This is an organisation that helps more than 900 families across Victoria who have a child with a life-threatening condition. In collaboration with Rotary Frankston, Marcus was part of the focus team who kept a treadmill going from 8am to 8pm at Core Fitness in Frankston (pictured), and in doing so, he played a key role in raising over $2500.

Following that outstanding effort, Marcus then signed up with 20 other focus team members to face the inaugural Arthur’s Seat Challenge fund raising event. Grey skies and the occasional drop of November rain did nothing to dampen his spirit, and  Marcus made it to the top, which was no small feat considering the 6.7 km distance and incline, and Marcus received high fives and congratulations from several of the other competitors along the way.

Over the years, Marcus has also volunteered at Frankston RSL, selling badges for Anzac Day, doing his part in  the annual fundraiser to support war veterans and their families.

And despite the limitations that COVID has placed on getting involved in community events, Marcus has stepped up once again. This time it was  in The Bloody Long Walk; a virtual event that  challenged people to walk or run 35km, raising money  to cure mitochondrial disease. Marcus went above and beyond the challenge, smashing out 39km and raising $350 in the process.

Marcus shows us that efforts like his are simple but incredibly valuable ways to live fulfilling lives as part of the community. Taking on a charity challenge expands a person’s network and increases the opportunity to meet new people. It builds a sense of community.

Marcus would also tell you that there are incredible  physical and mental benefits. There have been numerous studies which have found that raising money for charity and helping others can improve your health. For example, research by the Harvard University found that people who contributed  their time to community charity events were  “42 per cent more likely to be happy” compared to those who didn’t. Taking on a challenge for charity can produce endorphins that promote feelings of happiness, contributing to excellent cardiovascular health, reducing blood  pressure and increasing your lifespan.

An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.

Getting involved like Marcus does  helps someone appreciate their  friends and families as they support the person’s efforts. They will also appreciate themselves, making them feel good.  It  might sound cocky, but an important part of living a good life is  feeling proud of your own efforts and accomplishments.

Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others. And Marcus is an excellent example of how one person’s commitment to accepting the challenge can make positive changes in the lives of everyone involved. We love having him as a resident at our disability accommodation services.

 

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