Ben Davies - Drop Your Boss 2021

At the Graeme Dingle Foundation they believe "what you have on the inside is greater than any obstacle you may face". In the spirit of that ethos, I am making the leap, 12,000 feet out of a plane, to help raise money towards the incredible work the foundation does here in our own community.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation runs Project K, Kiwi Can, Career Navigator and Stars; reaching over 3,700 young people in the Western Bay of Plenty. These are all proven and successful school-based programmes that aim to inspire young people to reach their full potential by helping to build their self-esteem, promote good values and teach valuable life, education and health skills.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation is an incredible organisation, offering our young people some amazing opportunities to become the best version of themselves. Eastpack has been on board with the foundation providing support and funds for years, helping them continue their amazing mahi. We can see the positive impact their programmes have within the communities we are based in and are proud to be a part of their kaupapa.

On a more personal level, I have been lucky enough to be involved with the Graeme Dingle Foundation as a mentor through their Project K program, so I have first hand experience of the amazing work they do in the community in general, and with our young people especially.

I watched the 2020 intake of project K mentees overcome their fears and skydive late last year. What sort of role model would I be if I wasn’t also willing to show that courage and walk the talk right??

Plus my wife has previously jumped though this drop the boss program, so obviously I will never live it down if;

a) I don’t jump

b) I raise less money than her

All the funds I raise through my efforts go directly to the foundation to help them continue their mahi. If I raise over $1000, Eastpack will match my efforts so help me get over that benchmark and double my contribution by matching the fund I raise dollar for dollar!

At Eastpack we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact in our community & my team think throwing me out of a plane for this good cause is well worth it! I know not all young people are given equal support and opportunity, and by jumping for Graeme Dingle Foundation I am contributing towards helping every child to reach their full potential and empowering them to create the future they want.

So what about it Aotearoa? Please jump on board and get donating for a great cause!