Latest News

Cycling Cambodia for a cause

Two Queenslanders Credit Union employees have embarked on a fundraising mission for financial literacy programs in Cambodia.

Ashleigh Ohlsen and Justin MacDonald, both from the Brisbane contact centre, have committed to raising a combined $14,200 to take part in the 2014 CUFA Cambodian Leadership Challenge.

Once they have achieved their fundraising goal, the pair will participate in a physically gruelling 300km cycle from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh before spending six days doing project work in the country’s poorest regions.

They will visit local schools and teach the children how to save and manage money for a brighter future, and help tiny businesses such as chicken farms and rice farmers to develop and grow.

The final challenge is to each commit to 100 hours of voluntary work in their local community on returning from Cambodia.

Ashleigh said she was inspired to take part in the Leadership Challenge after hearing about the wonderful work that CUFA do.

“I’m really looking forward to getting out of my comfort zone and engaging in real and lasting project work to support disadvantaged communities,” she said.

Justin said he was proud to raise money for the Children’s Financial Literacy Program, which reaches more than 12,000 children each year.

“More than 80% of Cambodian children do not understand the concept of saving and are not linked to a financial institution,” he said.

“The development of financial literacy at a young age will create independence and have a positive long-term impact on the children’s opportunities later in life.”

Ashleigh and Justin would gratefully accept any donations from the community to help them reach their goal.

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and can be made at any Queenslanders branch or online at www.cufa.com.au/ashleigh_and_justin.