Logistic Engineering Services presented a donation to charity Mates4Mates at this year’s Land Forces Conference, of funds raised as a result of a company-wide 22 push up challenge.
The donation for $2200, equating to a contribution of $100 by the company per day of the 22 day challenge completed by employees, was presented to Mates4Mates at their stand – 4B4 – on Wednesday afternoon.
The 22 push up challenge is now a global initiative to raise awareness of PTSD and veteran suicide. Staff at LES gathered every morning at 9 am to complete their 22 push ups.
Warren Smith, LES business development manager, saw the challenge on the internet and suggested the company get involved.
“I’d seen the hashtag, and 22 for 22 videos on Facebook, and thought, ‘we’re a Defence company, why don’t we do this to support our troops’,” Smith said.
Chairman of Mates4Mates, Don Roach, accepted the donation at Land Forces and thanked General Manager, Phil Jarratt, for the support.
“It’s easy to question whether or not these sorts of social media initiatives actually make a difference. In this instance, it’s an emphatic ‘yes’. These dollars will go towards helping our guys and girls recover from the effects of their service, whether it’s mental health issues like PTSD or physical injuries sustained.”
In response to the issue of veteran suicide, Mates4Mates CEO Simon Sauer recently stated that Mates4Mates had developed a successful blueprint for supporting wounded, injured and ill Defence personnel and their loved ones.
“The key is providing a range of options for individuals to heal holistically through a combination of psychological support, physical rehabilitation activities, employment and education support, and peer support through social connection,” Sauer said.
“It’s also vital that the veteran’s family is part of the process – loved ones are a safe harbour for so many veterans and need our care and active support too.
“Ultimately, we are committed to using our experience to help save lives.”
LES challenges other companies to take up the 22 push up challenge and donate a dollar per push up to support Australian troops and their families.