The Cambodian Leadership Challenge is a fundraising program that is run by CUFA. The challenge involves taking the everyday worker such as me out of their true comfort zone; to participate in a life changing journey.

There are four components for this challenge:
Fundraising, Physical, In Country Project Work, along with Community Service.

My fundraising was a personal achievement for me. It started with selling chocolates to our members, local communities and staff. I contacted local businesses talking to them about my challenge and fundraising, with many letters being sent out.

This pushed me to limits I had never anticipated, taking myself “out of my comfort zone”. We had to raise at least $3000 to participate in the program. By raising the money, many people became aware of CUFA, who it was and what they do, especially the Cambodian Children’s Literacy Program. This is a program that is funded by the CUFA Cambodian leadership Challenge: The program mainly focuses on 7 to 9 year olds in poor regions of Cambodia. There are nearly 6000 children participating in over 156 classes in Battanbang, Prey Veng, Takeo and Kandal Provinces throughout Cambodia. The children are taught how to save, financial literacy skills and eventually open their own savings account at a local savings bank. It is run by local CUFA Project Field Staff.

The Physical Leadership component of the challenge involved riding a push bike through provinces of Cambodia for four and half days riding over 265kms.

Before leaving for Cambodia I had reserved feelings about the bike ride as it had been many years since I rode a bike. But with a few weeks of training and gym work (many spin classes) it helped me achieve what I set out to do.

Arriving in Siem Reap on a very hot and humid afternoon we were fitted for our bikes then went for our first practice ride. Nothing had prepared me for what I was about to encounter; the traffic which I soon learnt “give way to the biggest,” stay on the right of cars, tuk tuks, cyclos and a variety of the animal kingdom passing me by. But with the help from the Raw Travel Boys who supplied our bikes and rode along with us I was eased into the ride and gradually realized to just go with the flow.

As a team of eight people with different occupations, personalities and ages we worked together to form a common goal. It involved a lot of patience, understanding and companionship; making sure we cycled together over 265kms. We endured pain, temperatures, humidity and many a long ride along main highways and dusty dirty and very bumpy roads.

Each participant had different strengths and weaknesses enabling some to finish earlier than others but always encouraging and urging everyone over the finish line. Along the way we were met by friendly children waving and saying “Hello” from the side of the road.

Our In Country Project Work started in Battambang; visiting two local schools where the Financial Literacy Program is run. We joined in with the children’s lessons. It was very humbling to see the children appreciate our visit. Part of this exercise was Roll playing and Presentations. (Through an interpreter) It was very satisfying to see their smiling faces when receiving a simple ruler or pencil and being so attentive and engaging. Children want to save their money for their future. A new school uniform or further their education or help their parents.

Also while in Battambang we were honoured guests at the opening of a local Savings Bank. This bank is called OMUNY. The local community welcomed us with a fanfare of music and colourful banners, tents and people eager to witness the opening of their new savings bank. After the formalities we were treated to local cuisine and traditional Khmer dancing and a tour of the savings bank. It was a privilege for each participant to open an account at the Bank.

While visiting the villages we had a greater appreciation and insight into their everyday living. Through talking to local village people, we heard of their hardship and struggles within their everyday life and how the project that CUFA is running enables them to live a better quality of life.

The Cambodian Leadership Challenge has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone; from fundraising; to project work and community development. The opportunity has given me a broader world view of a culture that has strengthened from such horrendous history arising from the Khmer Rouge Regime. The smiles on their faces give hope to a better quality of life in the future.

I have learned that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. We all worked towards a common goal, each participant bringing their individual ideas, giving us the ability to develop, participate and allowing us to have increased awareness and confidence within ourselves.

This has been an exciting, adventurous and very rewarding challenge. I have returned with increased knowledge, enthusiasm and team building skills I can utilize on my return to the workplace. I can share my knowledge and awareness of the work Credit Unions are doing overseas.

I would like to thank CUFA for allowing me to participate in this challenge also a big thank you to CUNA Mutual for their sponsorship to allow the program to run.
Thank you to Companion Credit Union for sponsoring me to participate in the challenge. To the staff, family and friends for your support and donations who have encouraged and helped me achieve this amazing journey on the Cambodian Leadership Challenge 2009. I hope I can inspire other staff members to take up this challenge in 2010.

A Few Things I Have Learnt.
*Water is precious and never to be taken for granted again.
*Some people overcame their fears by eating cooked spiders –Tarantulas (and some didn’t).
*You don’t need material things to be happy.
*Angkor beer is pretty good.
*Air conditioning is wonderful.
*I didn’t need my handmade padded bike seat by the end of the ride.

Thank you (Or Kun)
CHRISTINE AUSTIN
MEMBER SERVICE CONSULTANT
COMPANION CREDIT UNION

'local children enjoying the Financial Literacy Program'

'Enjoying the beautiful scenery'

'The crew from Raw Travel who supplied the bikes & rode the whole journey'

'Tarantula - The tastes of Cambodia'

'The Cambodian Leadership Challenge Team'

'The end of the road'

August 4th, 2009 | 3 Comments »

Companion said ‘We’re Listening’

Guess what? We meant it!

Over the past month the exclusive members only Companion Community Grant has given away over $20,000 to 57 local not-for-profit groups. Members nominated organisations they thought could use a helping hand, and a panel of members helped distribute the funds to the successful recpients.

Now that’s listening to your members!

If you would like to register your interest for the 2010 grant let us know

Photos of the presentation days and the list of recipients can be found here

Feel free to share your Community Grant Story here by clicking on ‘Leave a comment’

Cas. S

June 22nd, 2009 | 2 Comments »

A big THANKYOU to all of our members that have nominated a local organisation for the Companion Community Grant. We have had over 50 nominations, and the level of community spirit is astounding.

For those of you wondering what happens next, here it is;

The judges meet this Friday the 22nd of May to determine the successful applicants. The judges are Companion Credit Union members that have volunteered their time to represent you all, and I thank them for giving us their time.

Successful recipients should expect a phone call early in the week of the 25th May, to notify you and also to invite you to the cheque presentation.

Unsuccessful recipients will be notified in writing to the supplied mailing or email address on the application form.

Presentation dates will be confirmed on our website shortly.

Talk soon,
Cas

May 18th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Companion Credit Union is proud to be part of the Hunter & Gunnedah community, and as a way of showing our support for our community the Companion Community Grants Scheme has been created.

$20,000 is available to be donated to the local community and we would like you to tell us how to donate it.

If you know of a not for profit club, group or charity, that could use a helping hand, why not nominate them to share in our grant scheme? Applications are open from 15 April to 15 May and nomination forms can be found here or you can pick one up at your local branch.

This is our way of saying ‘Thank You’ to our members and the local communities serviced by our branches, and as a member you have a say in who gets the funds by getting involved.

So if you know of a sporting club, charitable organisation or community group that could use some extra funds, let us know.

Do you know a local group that will benefit from nominations?

Bill Hudson
Singleton Branch Manager

April 20th, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

I recently attended the annual AJ Edden Charity Golf Day, which aims to raise funds for special needs children. This year at the Shortland Waters Golf Club the event raised over $25,000 with donations going to Cameron Park School, Glendon School, SIDS and the Hunter Orthopaedic School.

The event has been running for 12 years with approx. $350,000 raised over this time to help the special needs children. This is a great example of how our Hunter Community can come together to help with a needy cause, and an event I have been proud to be a part of and contribute to on behalf of Companion Credit Union.

A quick plug- an event like this wouldn’t be successful without the preparation, organisation, and dedication that Peter Hiscox of AJ Edden and his team of helpers put in and having the support of Mark Richards and Gary Harley and we can’t forget the support of all the businesses and people who donate to this worthy cause.

Congrat’s again on Peter on this successful event and we look forward to being with you again in the coming years! (as always I am hoping for a better result…)

Mark

Results from the day: Click Here

December 15th, 2008 | Leave a Comment »

Movember (the month formerly known as November) is an annual charity event held during November. ??At the start of Movember guys register with a clean shaven face. The Movember participants, known as Mo Bros, have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their Mo, raising money along the way to benefit men’s health – specifically prostate cancer and male depression.  ??Movember culminates at the end of the month at official Gala Partés, Mo-Office and Mo-Town parties where David Boon, Tom Selleck and Chopper Read look-a-likes battle it out for their chance to be the Man of Movember.

The staff of Companion has got in behind this terrific cause with three participants and a host of supporters from the administration staff, branches and members getting in behind the Mo’s.

Ten days in, and a few itchy chins later, more than $300 has been raised by our teams supporters for Beyond Blue and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Prostate Cancer: because every year 2,900 Australian men die from prostate cancer and over 18,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Depression in Men: because one in six men experience depression at any given time but most don’t seek help.

To support the Mo’ Bros from Companion, go to www.movember.com.au and click on “donate to a team” and either type in the team name (I am a Walrus) and follow the prompts from there.

Alternately, you can donate via the participating individuals, by clicking on “Donate to an individual” and typing in the individual’s name.

Adam Currie (Day 13)
No Walrus’ were harmed in the formation of this fine week 1 effort by the resident IT guru Adam.
He works well under pressure, so big improvements expected in the coming weeks. Dark hair, a considerable advantage.

Adam Currie

Mark Bramley (Day 13)
Slightly hampered by the physics of light reflecting on the colour white. (So Mark says). Big improvements expected for next update from the Executive Manager Member Services.

Mark Bramley

Paul Roderique (Day 13)

Years of living in the harsh climate in semi Antarctic conditions have caused evolution to enable the Lending Manager from NZ to warm his top lip readily. Just like Mundine, Paul is feeling confident about taking on all-comers for the title. Feeling little pressure at this stage, is looking forward to a challenger stepping up in the next week or two.

Paul Roderique

Get Donating, and stay tuned for our week 3 update!
Mo’Bro Paul

November 18th, 2008 | 4 Comments »