Marathon Fundraiser for Rainbow Youth (and Freedom Centre in WA)
Marathon Fundraiser for LGBTQIA+ Youth
Auckland
Kia ora/G'Day
I am embarking on a personal challenge to run my first full marathon in Perth, WA on October 11th to raise funds for two charities that have made and continue to make a huge difference to the lives of rainbow youth and their families. It's been 25 years since I came out so I thought I would give back by raising $2500 - $1250 each for Rainbow Youth in Aotearoa/NZ and $1250 for Freedom Centre, WA. I will match the $1250 on this page and donate directly to Freedom Centre since they are based in Australia.
Early on in my journey, Freedom Centre was my safe place and I made life-long friendships and connections and as a result I am also the proud donor dad to two wonderful kids (T and Z). I am running 42.2km to model to my kids that you can set personal challenges AND do some good in the world by giving back to those in need through fundraising. Rainbow Youth is the NZ version of Freedom Centre and in my 25th year of being "out and proud" I wanted to support a local charity which provides similar support to what FC gave me when I was a teen.
Please donate if you're a friend, colleague or an ally of someone in the LGBTQIA+ community. The world is definitely more rainbow friendly compared to 25 years ago but there's still a need for programmes and services for LGBTQIA+ young people.
Other page links
Latest update
Marathon Completed Last Sunday :) 15 October 2026
Hello everyone,
Many thanks for all of your support over the last 6 months. Running the last 5-6kms was absolute torture but I was able to have a random running buddy keep me in good spirits while my calves were seizing up. Candace spotted me and we supported each other and chatted and walked for the last leg of the run. Below is a pic of us high-fiving and celebrating the finish line in 4hrs 29 min (quite a long way off my training plan and time goal but I got to the end!). I was stoked to be greeted by family at the end and to receive my medal, optional banana, and bottle of gatorade.
Your support from near and far helped me through this training block and we raised over $2500 for rainbow youth in Auckland and Perth.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and I've learned that half marathons are much more doable (and enjoyable?!). I am happily resting for a few more days before even considering tying up my laces and running again.
Voon x
Latest donations
Thank you Heidi! Appreciate you being my OG running buddy and training partner xx
Thank you Laura! Appreciate the support in person in Perth and from afar! x
Thank you so much for the donation Carolyn! x
Thank you Daniela! It's super kind of you to donate to my cause. I really appreciate it (as do Rainbow Youth and Freedom Centre!).
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