CEO Bike Build features on ABC Brisbane’s ‘Drive’ program with Steve Austin
It was fantastic to be included again on the ABC Radio Brisbane “Drive” program with Steve Austin, this time about the CEO Bike Build event.
For more information about the ABC “Drive” program, please visit https://www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/programs/drive/
Brisbane CEOs “on the tools” helping young people build positive futures
On Friday September 10th 2021, 28 Brisbane CEOs and business leaders picked up tools and took lessons in bike building from teens involved with local charity, TRACTION for Young People. Together, the CEOs raised over $100,000 to help 50 more young people access the program, which aims to keep them build resilience and stay in school.
As well as raising money for young people to access TRACTION programs, the CEO Bike Build was a chance for business leaders to experience and understand how TRACTION programs work, as well as connect directly with the young people their fundraising is supporting.
TRACTION CEO and Founder, Sandy Murdoch, says that we all have a part to play to ensure the next generation has the skills they need to thrive in work and life.
“We all want safe and healthy communities, but unfortunately statistics show us that many young people feel unsafe, stressed, socially isolated and struggle to see a better future. In the 15-24 years age group, 1 in 10 are disengaged from education, training and employment. That rate is higher still in low-socio economic areas. This event shows the young people that there are many adults in the community who care, and who want to help young people succeed with their goals,” said Sandy.
Business leaders are encouraged to express interest in the event for 2022 by contacting TRACTION at https://traction.community/contact/
About TRACTION
TRACTION engages young people aged 12-15 in innovative early intervention and prevention programs aimed at building resilience and keeping them engaged in school.
TRACTION partners with referral agencies, such as schools and other government agencies to reach young people who are facing challenges and need support.
Young people work “on the tools”, in a workshop environment to complete their own projects, like building a BMX bike to keep, including a custom paint job.
TRACTION mentors small groups of young people, guiding them to develop confidence, resilience and skills to help them thrive in work and life.
Since 2015, over 1,500 young people have engaged with TRACTION programs. TRACTION currently supports young people in the following seven local government areas of Southeast Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redlands and the Scenic Rim.
About the CEO Bike Build
In a half-day experience, CEOs and business leaders are paired up with a young person from TRACTION to build a bike. They experience first-hand how the TRACTION program works and who they are supporting.
Organisations can participate by nominating one of their leaders. Each “CEO” raises and donates $5,000 to participate, with the help of a fundraising kit supplied by TRACTION.