Getting 'on the tools' to build positive youth futures

  
  
  
On Friday, 10 September, 30 Brisbane CEOs and business leaders picked up tools and took lessons in bike building from teens involved with local charity, TRACTION in their recent ‘CEO Bike Build'. Together, they raised over $100,000, helping 50 more young people access the programs, which help them build resilience and stay in school. 

Kennards Hire, GM Queensland, Matt Hardy, took to opportunity to take part in this popular fundraiser. The event was a unique opportunity for businesses to connect directly with the young people supported by TRACTION, as each business leader worked side-by-side with a young person to complete the bike build. 

Kennards Hire connected with TRACTION earlier this year as one of the Kennards Hire Foundation partners and was quick to get on board this fundraising initiative. 

When asked about his experience, Matt said, "Taking part in the Bike Build with Alex, one of TRACTION's participants, was a fantastic experience. I came away from the event with a greater appreciation of the important role TRACTION plays in my community helping young people develop resilience, stay in school and explore career pathways.  

"Getting on the tools and spending time working with Alex and being able to share my experience along with other QLD business leaders made for an inspiring day." 

TRACTION CEO and Founder, Sandy Murdoch, says that we all have a part to play to ensure the next generation has the skills they need to thrive in work and life. 

"One in ten are disengaged from education, training and employment. That rate is higher still in low-socio economic areas. Through TRACTION programs, and events like The CEO Bike Build, we show young people that there are many adults in the community who care, and who want to help young people succeed with their goals," said Sandy. 

Since 2015, over 1,500 young people have engaged with TRACTION programs. TRACTION currently supports young people in the following seven local government areas of Southeast Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redlands and the Scenic Rim. 

If you want to find out more about TRACTION, you can visit their website