On 20 March 2006, Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry lashed the north Queensland coast near Innisfail, wreaking havoc on homes and public buildings, uprooting trees and devastating crops.
Our charity partner Endeavour provides support for people with intellectual disabilities and their families through a range of services including residential accommodation, employment placement and adult education. Endeavour experienced a devastating blow in March when its Innisfail Adult Training Service, Business Service and two residences were severely damaged by Cyclone Larry. Within days of Cyclone Larry hitting the Queensland coast, the Foundation had launched an appeal to help Endeavour rebuild its vital services.
Our people responded to the call for action with amazing generosity; 849 staff and partners responded to the appeal, which, when matched dollar-for-dollar by the firm, raised $92,050 for Endeavour. Our people worked alongside Endeavour on the rebuilding effort, helping to ensure that clients maintained a level of normalcy and routine in their lives. Local PwC staff also rallied together and organised much-needed generators for the Endeavour staff who remained in Innisfail to start the long clean up process.
Two PwC Foundation champions - Marg Hoffman (Cairns) and Kathleen Shaw-Farrell (Townsville) - quickly and efficiently mobilised emergency support for Endeavour. Both Marg and Kathleen contacted local clients who were happy to help by sending generators to Innisfail. Coates Hire, the local Rotary Club and the state government quickly responded to the call for help to provide emergency power.
Kelvin Spiller, CEO of Endeavour, thanked PwC staff, saying: “We are indebted to you for the amazing fundraising efforts. PwC staff also demonstrated a sincere commitment to those from Endeavour affected by Cyclone Larry. PwC’s generosity has helped the Endeavour staff, clients and families overcome some of the immediate hardships and will help them face the future obstacles that lie ahead as they try to restore their lives and rebuild the Innisfail community - we thank you.”
Our cheque for $92,050 was presented to Endeavour Foundation at the ‘Not Happy Larry’ concert. The concert was put on by the Endeavour Foundation to raise money for the cyclone victims.
Marg and Kathleen organised a team of PwC volunteers to assist at the concert.
This is a great example of how our people’s individual passion and collective efforts can make a real difference in our communities. Our people, clients and local contacts worked together to provide much-needed support for the Innisfail community in their hour of need.
