OKG Community Support
Alexander Glover (OKG11) is walking unsupported around Australia for men's mental health and suicide prevention. The ethos of Alex's walk is "wait one more minute, take one more step".
To encourage people to share their struggles as a positive step forward, Alex is inviting people to chat with him as he walks.
Follow Alex's journey (which began in Kiama on 21 January) on Instagram or Facebook. See also Alex's gofundme page which Alex has set up to assist people he may meet along the way who need help, and in case of funding any emergencies which might arise.
Don't forget, our Old Boys for Old Boys program supports OKGs and their families facing challenging times. Contact Emily Morris for a free, confidential conversation (Email | 0406 885 674)
Thank you Class of '94
"Thank you for the flowers my dad received on Saturday in hospital. The Kok family appreciate the kind gesture. The Knox community has been really supportive and thoughtful since they found out my dad was not feeling well. That's the Knox spirit I know and am glad to be part of. A special thank you to Pip Jenkinson (OKG94) for organising."
Paul Kok (OKG94) February 2024
The Sony Foundation will celebrate 25 years of the Children's Holiday Camp Program (affectionately known as "Sony Camps") next year (2024). Ahead of this anniversary, the Foundation is looking to reconnect with Knox Old Boys who volunteered as student carers at ABBOX (in any year), for the purpose of sharing initial thinking on event planning on some prospective events.
If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador for the Sony Camp program in 2024, please contact the OKGA Office by email or call 9487 0419.
Hunter Valley Polo Challenge
Tim Phelan (OKG83) has been involved in the world of Polo for more than 30 years, for the last seven as a Committee member of the Wirragulla Polo Club.
He is currently part of the team organising the 2023 Hunter Polo Challenge, as the Club celebrates its Centenary.
Funds raised through the Challenge (via ticket sales, sponsorship, auctions and hospitality) support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Read more about the Challenge which will be held in Dungog on 8-9 September on the Wirragulla website.
Knox United Retro Round, June 2023
Mates v States
UPDATE: On 9 May 2023, three Knox Old Boys from the Class of 2017 and one Old Ignatian completed their 80th consecutive marathon, run in 79 days. Mates Max Cutrone, Rory Cheal, Sean Stuart and Jasper Gotterson (Old Ignatian) started traversing the US East Coast from Florida on 19 February, with their sights set on the Canadian Border, all the while raising money for The Cancer Council.
Watch some media highlights of their journey on 7 News (YouTube) and ABC News Breakfast (ABC website).
See how the adventure began on the OKGA News page, The Daily Telegraph and 7 News Sydney (Facebook), and look back over their journey on Instagram.
Rock to Rock
On 26 February, Gil Garrett (OKG18) will leave Uluru on his bike and head for Sydney, undertaking a 30-day bikepacking challenge to raise funds for TLC for Kids. Recognised for his willingness to serve the community while at school, Gil says he learnt the importance of social justice through fundraising for White Ribbon and RUOK?
"I've been so lucky to grow up healthy, have a normal childhood and go to a great school. It's the importance of acknowledging how incredibly privileged we are, and a desire to help those who aren't as fortunate, that is motivating me to do something physically and mentally gruelling," Gil said.
"Although it will never come close to the immense challenges some children, families and nurses face, I hope others will empathise with sick children and their carers as I have.
Gil, who is the son of Peter Garrett (OKG83), has returned to Knox since his graduation as a casual Mountain Biking coach.
Funds raised through Gil's GoFundMe page will go directly to TLC for Kids in support of its programs, including Rapid TLC, the TLC Distraction Box and the TLC Ambulance.
Follow Gil's mission on Instagram.
Date posted: 15 February 2023
Team Senya | Walk for Kids with Cancer
Six-year old Senya, daughter of Thi and Jamie Shakespeare (OKG91) was diagnosed with Leukemia in August 2022. Jamie is participating in the Walk for Kids with Cancer for the Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation on 26 March.
Senya is currently undergoing treatment and has a two-year long treatment journey ahead of her.
"This cause is very close to our hearts because not only does it help other kids have a better chance of survival, but along the way we have met many great warrior families undergoing treatment and want the best outcome for them and for any child that gets diagnosed with this horrible illness." Thi and Jamie
Visit the Team Senya page (Hospital Foundation's fundraising platform).
Obstacles and Endurance
On 13 November, more than 30 people participated in the inaugural 17/49 Enduro, an event organised by Phil Warth (OKG98) in Brisbane to support the Cancer Council Queensland. After seven people within his close circle were diagnosed with cancer, Phil says "it was time to do something". As a regular entrant in obstacle races, Phil approached Obstacle Obsession with the idea of completing an individual endurance challenge at their training facility. They were keen, and when Phil started talking about his plans, others expressed interest in joining him. Phil's concept for the event was to honour the 17 people diagnosed every hour with cancer and the 49,000 who are lost each year, by creating challenges based on the numbers 17 and 49. On 13 November, Phil was among five who finished the "Trojan" - 17 exercises per hour over a 49km trail for up to 10 hours.
The majority of other event participants were new to obstacle racing and joined in the "Warrior" and "Ninja" level challenges to support the cause.
With race entry fees and donations combined, Phil and his 17/49 team surpassed their event fundraising goal of $10,000. Donations can be made through the Cancer Council website. While still feeling the fatigue from his longest ever obstacle race, Phil is already looking at ideas to expand the event concept in Brisbane, and also considering other locations for a 17/49 Enduro, such as Sydney.
See some of the preparation for the event or what happened on the day on Instagram.
When he is not outdoors training or at Cross Fit, Phil divides his time between aviation consulting and as a director at the media agency 19zero3.
Date posted: 15 November 2022
Sony St Andrew's Children's Camp
Nick van Veen (OKG19), a past volunteer for the Sony Foundation ABBOX of Fun Holiday Camp, will be running a holiday camp run in partnership with the same Foundation and St Andrew's College in November 2022.
The four-day respite camp, organised entirely by student volunteers, is designed for children with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities. Children participate in a range of exciting activities while receiving one-to-one, round the clock care from volunteers. Not only does the camp allow families to receive much needed respite, but it is also provided at no expense.
Read the article on the OKGA news page or donate via trybooking.
Photos above (L-R) on desktop: Nick van Veen (OKG19), Will Sanderson (OKG19)
Date posted: 6 October 2022
Paul Nolan: City2Surf "Legend"
Paul Nolan (OKG75) is raising funds for the Children's Tumour Foundation (CTF) by participating in the 2022 City2Surf on 14 August. Paul is considered one of a handful of "Legends" in Sydney's popular road run, as he has been a participant in every City2Surf event since 1971.
Read Paul's story on his CTF fundraising page.
Do It For D-Man: The Colyer Family
Peter Colyer (OKG83) crosses the finish line of the 2021 Memory Walk and Jog, with son Al Colyer (OKG15)
On Sunday, 22 May 2022, the Colyer family will be joining the Sydney Memory Walk & Jog hosted by Dementia Australia to raise money and awareness for people with dementia.
Peter Colyer (OKG83) was diagnosed with younger onset dementia (Dementia Australia PDF) in 2017, at the age of 51. Doctors say that Peter could have had dementia from as early as his mid-30s.
Last year the Colyer family and friends formed a team of over 100 people, who together raised more than $70,000.
Read more about the Colyer team's story on the Dementia Australia website.
Knox Old Boys are invited to join Peter, his wife Jane, sons, Ed Colyer (OKG13), Al Colyer (OKG15), as well as current student Henry, and Peter's daughter, Charlotte, to join the walk or jog, as part of their team, another team or individually.
Donations to Dementia Australia's Memory Walk & Jog can be made via the Colyer family's D-Man page.
Date posted: 4 May 2022