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Recently Roger Astell, National Manager Fund Services, sent himself to gaol, by participating in the Whitelion bailout. Whitelion is a charity that aims to inspire and empower disconnected young people by providing positive relationships and life-changing opportunities while supporting their progress toward life goals. “I’m passionate about this cause because I think most people can recall a time in their life where they could have strayed over to the wrong side of the tracks for one reason or another. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given in life and this is my chance to give back to the youth of today who haven’t been as fortunate as me.”
The concept of the bailout is for fundraisers to be sent to gaol for a night to get a taste of what a young person who is disconnected from the community may experience. “I was amazed at how realistic they made the whole experience. From the moment our charge was processed we were treated as real inmates, we were even given gaol uniforms to wear during our stay. They also hired actors who portrayed what the first night in a gaol cell would have been like for a young person. We were also fortunate enough to listen to inspirational stories from a young guy who had a very troubled childhood, eventually ending up with him in prison for the majority of his youth - he is now a social worker. The whole experience was so powerful and moving and I’m glad I did it.”
Roger doubled his bailout minimum and raised $2040 from Superpartners employees. In fact, to secure this amount of money, Roger put his signature moustache on the line by promising to shave it off if he raised over $2000! Roger is now expected to shave his moustache off in the next coming weeks in front of a very curious audience!
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