Pedalling for a Purpose

At the heart of Chain Reaction's mission is the belief that individuals working together can make a real difference in the lives of sick children and the charities that support them. Through challenging cycling events, the foundation encourages senior executives to utilise their profiles and networks to raise funds and support important causes. 

This year, several Marshall White colleagues have answered the call to action, signing up to take part in the Chain Reaction Challenge and raise vital funds for two deserving Melbourne-based charity partners: Monash Children's Hospital and the Starlight Children's Foundation.  

Monash Children's Hospital's Gait Lab is a cutting-edge facility that strives to enhance the mobility and independence of infants, children, and adolescents facing developmental, neurological, or orthopaedic challenges hindering lower limb function. The funds raised will facilitate the upgrade of equipment and increase staffing, providing the best possible diagnosis and treatment for their patients and reducing wait times for families. 

The Starlight Children's Foundation, on the other hand, focuses on the emotional well-being of seriously ill kids. The funds raised will enhance their health and happiness through the Starlight Express Room and Captain Starlight Programs, counteracting the disruptions of illness on their lives.  

Marshall White's involvement with Chain Reaction dates back to 2018, and since then, our past and present employees have raised an incredible $1 million for the foundation. This year, five Marshall White colleagues – Harry Bongiorno, Alan Crawford, Tom Hayne, Justin Holod, and Kaine Lanyon – have stepped up to the challenge, determined to make a difference in the lives of sick children and their families. 

We spoke with Sales Executive Tom Hayne about his experience with Chain Reaction and the inspiration behind his involvement. Tom shared the following insights: 

What inspired you to get involved with Chain Reaction and start participating in their cycling events? 

Seeing what the foundation could provide to their charity partners every year and watching my dad, Andrew, complete six events were big inspirations for me. Also, having spent some time in and out of the hospital at a young age with a heart condition motivates me every year to give back to those families that need our support the most, given that I am one of the lucky ones who now has a clean bill of health and am able to contribute my part. 

Can you describe the overall experience of participating in a Chain Reaction ride? What aspects of the ride have been most memorable or impactful for you?  

Once the months of training and early alarms are over and you arrive at the start of the ride, it feels like we are on a professional cycling tour. The amount of support from the volunteers and the Chain Reaction team is second to none. As riders, all we need to do is pedal, and everything else is organized for the day ahead. During the ride, we hear multiple stories from families directly affected by or living through the daily challenges we are raising money for, which motivates us even more the following day, knowing our pain on the bike is minimal compared to what sick children and their families endure every day. 

Beyond the important goal of raising money for those in need, what additional value or personal benefits have you gained through your involvement with Chain Reaction? 

The friendships and network that we create and the camaraderie that we build through Chain Reaction are amazing and continue beyond the event each year without fail. Additionally, of course, it keeps us fit to have such a significant training goal ahead of us. 

Readers can show their support for these dedicated riders and the invaluable work of Chain Reaction by donating to their individual fundraising campaigns or by spreading awareness about the foundation's mission within their communities. Together, we can create a chain reaction of generosity and compassion, ensuring that no child's journey towards recovery is faced alone. 

For more information on how to get involved or to support the Marshall White team, please visit https://www.chain-reaction.org.au/