Sweating for a worthy cause
Personnel at RAAF Base Glenbrook traded their daily routines for butterfly sit-ups, jerry can carries and burpees, taking part in a charity workout event supporting the KARI Foundation.
The event last month brought personnel together for a series of physical challenges that tested endurance, teamwork and resilience – all to raise funds and awareness for the First Nations not-for-profit organisation.
The event’s facilitator and SILO, SQNLDR Coen Henry, said that participants surpassed their fundraising target, raising $1025.
“To stand here as the SILO knowing everyone gave the workout a red-hot crack speaks to the calibre of personnel we have in Air Force,” SQNLDR Henry said.
“Their actions showed we are ‘All In’ when it comes to practical reconciliation outcomes, promoting esprit de corps and a warfighter mindset, while raising vital funds for the KARI Foundation [that] will help many people.”
‘Stuff like this is great for charity and really lifts morale too. It just shows the kind of positive example our leaders set.’
The workout pushed participants physically, featuring gruelling sequences of Ski Erg and Bike Erg intervals superset with body-weight exercises.
But beyond the physical test, the event offered a valuable opportunity for members across the base to connect outside their usual work environments, strengthening the professional relationships that underpin daily service.
One of the participating members, FLGOFF Jean Mar said she was proud of how everyone came together to share the load because they all knew this cause was bigger than them.
“No matter the rank, we all felt the pain,” FLGOFF Mar said.
“Everyone’s always busy, but it was awesome to see such a strong turnout and a bit of healthy competition.
“Stuff like this is great for charity and really lifts morale too. It just shows the kind of positive example our leaders set.”
The KARI Foundation empowers First Nations children, young people and families through programs celebrating culture, leadership and community achievement.
“Events like this demonstrate the dedication and teamwork displayed by RAAF Base Glenbrook and reflects the same values that underpin KARI’s work every day – service, community and a commitment to creating a better future for the next generation,” KARI Foundation representative Lauren Pitkin said.
As the challenge wrapped up, participants left with more than just tired muscles.
“We were so sore for days after, but it was all worth it,” FLGOFF Mar said.
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