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It’s a tough trek to the top of Mt Everest, but that hasn’t stopped 20 teams of staff members from Heritage Building Society in Toowoomba from launching a race to the summit.

Workmates from Clifford Gardens, Grand Central and K-Mart branches, along with multiple head office teams, have set out with the top of the world in their sights. Even more impressive is that they are doing it without oxygen tanks, parkas or gloves, and without even leaving the neighbourhood!

That’s because the teams are tackling the Everest Virtual Challenge, a unique fund-raising event sponsored by Heritage Building Society that supports sick kids at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Brisbane.

The concept is simple. Teams of up to 15 people are aiming to walk 10,000 steps a day in the two weeks between May 17 and 30. If they do that, the team will collectively total 2.1 million steps, which is the equivalent of walking to the top of Mt Everest.

Teams use pedometers to track their steps and gather sponsors along the way. All money raised goes to the Royal Children’s Hospital. The target is $150,000 by the end of the two weeks.

Heritage CEO John Minz said the event was potentially life-changing, in more ways than one.

”Each year, the Royal Children’s Hospital cares   for more than 30,000 children from all over Queensland and beyond. About 60 per cent come from regional and rural areas.

Through the support of the community, the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation works wonders for sick kids by investing in groundbreaking research leading to faster diagnoses, better treatments and ultimately cures for childhood illnesses.

The money raised by the Everest Virtual Challenge contributes directly to these life-changing projects.

And the Challenge is fantastic because it also encourages people to improve their own health by getting out and exercising. Walking 10,000 steps a day could be life-changing- and perhaps life-saving – for participants as well.

Altogether Heritage Building Society has entered almost 400 staff members in 33 teams – that’s from a total staff of 700. If you would like to help sponsor the Everest Virtual Challenge event, inquire at your local Heritage branch or log onto the website at www.workingwonders.com.au.

In recent months Queensland X-Ray patients and staff have bought and eaten their way through $6000 worth of chocolate… but it’s all been in aid of a good cause.

Money has been raised for The Toowoomba Hospice which is a private, six-bed health care facility offering palliative care to those who have a terminal illness.

Queensland X-Ray’s Ms Julie Abel, who organized the fundraiser, was on hand to present Mark Munro from the Toowoomba Hospice with a cheque for $6,000.00!

Ms Abel wanted to thank every one who supported the Chocolate Drive Sincere thanks to everyone who has helped raise this money, it’s for a really worthwhile cause and I hope that everyone has enjoyed eating the fruits of their labour.”

Mr. Munro mentioned how important it was to have the support for businesses and organisations like Queensland X-Ray supporting the Hospice and he also wanted to reassure all who donate money to the hospice; that it stays here The Hospice is a Local Charity and I am very proud to say that the money raised locally stays locally to support local families on the Downs and Lockyer Valley”

Another school has taken on the ‘Annual Darling Downs Free Dress Challenge’ for 2010 in aid of the Toowoomba Hospice!

Drayton and Wyreema State Schools have been joined by Clifford Park Special School in the Challenge of raising money for our local Hospice. Mr. Mark Munro Promotions and Fundraising Manager from the Toowoomba Hospice said he was please to receive the call from the school to confirm their support.

As part of their Enterprise unit at Clifford Park Special School, these students (pictured) have chosen to accept the Free Dress Challenge.

The students will be organising a Free Dress Disco at the school on June 15^th with proceeds being raised from entry and food sales.”

Mr. Munro also said In addition to their fundraising efforts the students will be volunteering for the next few weeks at the Hospice in the grounds and educating their fellow students on the important service the Hospice provides to the terminally ill and families here on the Downs and Lockyer Valley”

Mr. Munro wanted to sincerely thank all the teachers and students from Drayton and Wyreema State Schools who have had their free dress day and encourage other schools to take on the challenge, Your school could win a Digital Camera from Wilsonton Betta Electrical!”

Businesses, clubs, organisations or schools can contact Mark Munro, on 07 46598500 OR email admin.toowoombahospice@bigpond.com to register

On Sunday 6th June the Downs Polo Club will be holding their annual Polo Tournament. This year not only will there be plenty of polo to be seen but there will also be raffles, kids games and activities, a BBQ and bar and much much more.

All proceeds raised will be donated to The Kath Dickson Family Centre and The Toowoomba Hospice as part of this years Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Young Ambassador Program. It will be a great day for the whole family so bring everyone out including grandma, throw out a picnic rug and enjoy the game of Kings.

For further information please contact Young Ambassador Entrant Nicole Whiting on 0439 212 52

The 2010 Crash Rescue Challenge and Community Safety Expo has taken place in the Founders Pavilion at Toowoomba Showgrounds.

Setting up a Rescue Scenario

Eight teams from Cairns, Blackwater, Caloundra, Bayside, Lowood  and          Clifton took part….

The winning team was Cairns, from the Far North Region. Runner up was the South East Region’s team from Lowood. Competition was fierce, with only several points separating all contestants.  The Cairns team will  now represent Queensland in the Australasian RCR  Challenge in Melbourne on 25-27th July this year.