FICAP raises money for charity with the support of the Sydney Financial Services Community with an annual fundraising event. Read on to find out how the funds raised impact the charities we support.

“As a result of the generous support of FICAP the Australian Childhood Foundation has supported around 12-14 children through one on one counselling, and our Animal assisted therapy program. 

Helping children heal through Animal Assisted Therapy  

Based on extensive research and a thorough review, and due to the support of FICAP, the Australian Childhood Foundation has been able to commence a new program offering animal assisted activities and animal assisted therapy to young people who have been subjected to violence and abuse.

We know that children who have experienced violence and abuse turn to their animal companions for love and comfort. For these young people, animals provide support and unconditional regard at a time when it is most needed. 

This program also provides the opportunity to strengthen empathy in children as well as providing them with practical skills in animal care therefore empowering them with a purposeful activity.

Such benefits go a long way towards redressing the damage that early exposure to complex trauma causes these children. This provides them with increased opportunities to grow into healthy adults capable of maintaining lasting and supportive relationships with others. 

Helping a child recover from their trauma through pet therapy is a 14 week course that involves handling guinea pigs. By caring for these animals children learn to manage their anxiety levels; increase their ability to concentrate; and develop empathy for other’s wellbeing. 

Healing the hurt through specialist counselling

To support a child from assessment to recovery takes up to 18 months of intensive counselling and $6,000.00, which is why every cent donated makes a real difference to the life of a child suffering from the impact of abuse and neglect.

This important journey includes a number of critical steps to help a child through to recovery: learning to relax through breathing, play time and story telling; helping them talk, draw or write about their trauma; rebuilding a stronger belief about themselves and who they can be; understanding what a healthy relationship should feel like; and, understanding that the abuse is not their fault and that they are worthy of love and respect.

The donation received from FICAP means that these very special children will have another chance at a childhood and a life that is positive, healthy and fulfilling.

Thank you to all the wonderful supporters involved with FICAP and the Who Wants to be a RockStar event.”

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"The FICAP event and its committee are an example of how pulling together the support of one industry for fun can make a significant contribution to the community. The support of FICAP initially assisted Youngcare with credibility.They then raised over $100k that contributed greatly to delivering Australia's first Youngcare that now accommodates with dignity 16 residents largely in their thirties with high care needs. They would otherwise live in aged care.We are truly grateful to FICAP for their support." - David Conry, Youngcare

The first ever Youngcare Apartments in Sinnamon Park, Brisbane

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 "The greatest challenges for not for profit organisations are funding and resources. Life Changing Experiences Foundation believes that FICAP support resolves both of these challenges. In organising the fundraising events with their own team of volunteers and with the inner access to business partners that FICAP has, they are able to amazingly raise large amounts of money without stretching the resources of our charity.

The funds raised by FICAP in 2008 enabled the direct delivery of the SISTER2sister Program, funding materials and activity costs where required. 42 at risk teenage girls graduated from the 2008 SISTER2sister Program. These funds also enabled us to expand the program to Victoria by giving us a base of funds to commit to that project until additional funds could be raised for the actual delivery of the 2009 SISTER2sister Program (VIC). Any future funds raised by FICAP will go to both the Sydney and Melbourne SISTER2sister Programs in 2009-2010.

The support from FICAP is deeply appreciated - it was by far the best return for the involvement of our minimal resources in 2008 and the funds raised directly impacted the lives of the at risk teenage girls.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with FICAP - Thank you!"  - Jessica Brown, Life Changing Experiences