Industry ball shows true care factor

MORE than 350 people gathered in their finest on Friday night (25 July) at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney for this year’s Care Factor Christmas in July ball, a night of generosity and good cheer that aims to make a real difference. Now in its fifth year, Care Factor is continuing to grow - bringing together people from across Australia's freight and logistics industry, to raise funds for a different charity each year. And once again, the industry rose to the challenge. 

This year’s chosen charity was Find Ya Feet, a grassroots organisation that supports youth mental health. The charity’s CEO, Tommy Herschell shared moving stories of some of the young lives that have been turned around through their unique school-based workshops. 

In a panel discussion, Mr Herschell explained how, through these workshops and group sessions, Find Ya Feet helps young people to open up, realise they’re not alone, and build supportive communities within their peer groups. 

FTA's Paul and Caroline Zalai with Fhiona and Sam Smeaton from Logihire. Image: LinkedIn

The fundraising got off to a flying start - even before the official welcome, organisers were handed a $10,000 anonymous donation, setting the bar high for the evening ahead. With both silent - and not-so-silent - auctions taking place throughout the night, the tally climbed steadily - it was close to $100,000 at last count - for this incredibly worthy cause. 

Following the auction and official proceedings, guests let off steam on the dance floor, with a live band playing until late into the night. 

Care Factor has fast become a highlight on the industry’s social calendar - as both a popular networking opportunity and a great cause to collectively support, and from the atmosphere and turn out on Friday night, it looks set to continue for many years to come. 

Care Factor is a joint initiative, hosted by FTA, Compliant Customs, Next Leap Training, and Orange Lime Consulting. 

More information about the annual event and its chosen charities can be found at: www.care-factor.com.au