Commitment to community
In the heart of Brisbane, a unique partnership has blossomed between the Queensland Cricketers' Club (QCC) and Emmanuel City Mission. Lachlan Furnell, CEO of QCC, shares the tale of this collaboration, highlighting their shared commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
Connecting with a Purpose
In March 2022, Lachlan was introduced to Roby Curtis and the ECM team. This meeting sparked a collaboration aimed at supporting people experiencing homelessness in Brisbane. QCC pledged to provide fresh milk, protein, and sauce-based mixes weekly, offering essential ingredients for ECM's kitchen to prepare meals. This initial collaboration laid the foundation for the annual ECM fundraising lunch, a successful initiative that not only raised awareness but also generated approximately $35,000 in funds.
Beyond The Boundary
QCC's dedication to community engagement is encapsulated in their initiative, "Beyond The Boundary," launched over four years ago. Beyond supporting sports played at The Gabba, QCC sought to make a broader impact. Lachlan emphasizes the importance of giving back to various community and charity establishments, fostering a sense of purpose among employees. ECM, with its unwavering passion for supporting those facing hardships, became the perfect avenue for QCC's charitable contributions.
As the relationship between QCC and ECM grew, so did the opportunities for collaboration. QCC facilitated an introduction between ECM and 4BC’s radio host, Neil Breen, resulting in a surge in donations. Key staff members, including chefs from QCC, offered ideas and assistance to ECM's volunteer kitchen team. Regular communication ensures a shared understanding of ECM's mission and vision, fostering a partnership that goes beyond mere contributions.
Lachlan's Pilgrimage
After supporting ECM in a professional capacity for many years, Lachlan has decided to take a more personal role in fundraising and will be accompanying Roby and other pilgrims on the second ECM Pilgrimage in March.
Lachlan's personal connection to the cause is deeply rooted in his experiences with childhood trauma and interactions with individuals struggling on the streets of Sydney. His connection with indigenous communities further fuelled his desire to make a difference.
“Spending many years in the Australian outback, I have also had a connection with indigenous people around the world, for their knowledge and understanding on how to treat the land and its wildlife.”
Acknowledging that Indigenous people face unique challenges, Lachlan sees the pilgrimage as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and contribute to assisting this community.
“The Pilgrimage, as I understand, follows the trail of indigenous people, so it will be humbling to walk in their footsteps and hopefully learn more about their ways, to gain a stronger understanding of the incredible people they are.”
Lachlan envisions a threefold impact through his fundraising efforts during the pilgrimage: a personal transformation, a moral influence encouraging others to undertake challenges for the greater good, and increased awareness about ECM. The pilgrimage, following the trail of those facing adversity, symbolizes a journey towards understanding and compassion.
In his leadership role, Lachlan emphasizes the importance of choosing a charity or organization that aligns with one's values. ECM, with its strong leadership, values, and progress, perfectly fits QCC's criteria.
“ECM ticks all these boxes for us.”
Despite a demanding schedule, Lachlan sees his participation in events like the pilgrimage as a personal journey. Stepping outside one's comfort zone, challenging oneself, and experiencing the simplicity of the surroundings contribute to personal growth. With the support of the Board and the club's commitment to community, Lachlan views the pilgrimage as a positive experience that aligns with QCC's values.
“I know that this pilgrimage will be a positive experience that will well after the event, assist me to be a better manager of people, a better listener, calmer and more aware of my actions.”
Lachlan lives by the mantra, "the more you give, the more you get back." He believes that helping others brings immediate rewards and long-term benefits, both commercially and culturally. Giving to those less fortunate serves as a reminder of one's blessings, fostering humility and gratitude.
“Giving to those less fortunate to us reminds us, even on those hard days, that we are often in a much better position than we think and to share in that keeps us humble and grounded.”