In this edition of ABL’s Spotlight Stories, we introduce you to Flying Fox, an organisation that's making a significant impact on the lives of young people with and without disabilities.
With a passion for inclusion and adventure, Flying Fox has created a unique platform for personal growth, community building and societal change. We chat to Carly Glasser, Community and Partnerships Coordinator at Flying Fox and ABL lawyer Stephanie Aitken, who also serves on the board at Flying Fox, about how the organisation is fostering a more inclusive world.
Tell us about Flying Fox
Carly: Flying Fox is a non for profit, youth-led organisation that provides social opportunities for young people with and without disability. We believe that through the power of fun, every individual should be afforded the opportunity to build a social network and thrive as equal members of society.
Since our inception in 2014, we’ve facilitated over 318 sleep-away getaways for 400 participants with disabilities, supported by 1,500 young adult volunteers. 10 years into our journey, and with the help of many empowering partners like Arnold Bloch Leibler, Flying Fox has grown to provide over 800,000 hours of social connection, personal growth and, of course, fun!
My first camp as a Buddy was nothing short of life-changing! When I returned home after an action packed 4-days away, I couldn’t help but share my experience with my network – my family and friends. And, intrigued at the organisation that was mobilising so many young people into action, many sought to contribute to Flying Fox’s mission.
How does Flying Fox support participants?
Carly: Families entrust Flying Fox to provide their children with meaningful experiences that foster growth and independence.
We work tirelessly to keep people safe, happy and healthy throughout every experience with the organisation. By ensuring that everyone feels safe on our program, we’ve been privileged to witness participants and Buddies alike exploring who they are as people, finding new opportunities and capabilities within themselves.
Sometimes the potential for growth takes years to deliver, after working to build confidence and trust year-in year-out. One of our participants participated in our very first program in 2014. Back then, his involvement looked very different to what it does today – he spent his first camp observing others engage in many of the camp activities, including the Giant Swing. Ten years later, the nurturing of his independence saw him soar high to the top of the swing, an experience that is the product of his growth in confidence and independence at Flying Fox.
We’re proud that stories like this reflect the experience of so many of our participants.
Our corporate partners are also incredibly significant, with organisations like Arnold Bloch Leibler empowering Flying Fox to grow, scale and amplify our impact.
How has ABL supported Flying Fox’s initiatives?
Stephanie: ABL has been a big supporter of Flying Fox right from its inception. Initially we helped with advice following the purchase of Flying Fox’s own ‘holiday’ houses to use as part of their programs. Our commercial team also assisted with trademarking the famous Flying Fox logo and even the words Flying Fox! This was no easy feat and involved the Flying Fox team going all the way back through their historical records from their early camps to find the first pictures of volunteers wearing their Flying Fox t-shirts.
It has been incredibly rewarding to have been given the responsibility early on in my career to directly help a pro bono client – from supporting with its employment contracts, raffle agreements, school partnership contracts as part our ever-growing education program, I’m very proud to be involved.
Flying Fox is hosting its annual ‘Basketball Corporate Funday’ in September. Can you tell us a bit more about how individuals and businesses can get involved?
Carly: Flying Fox is excited to host this annual event this month, with 24 corporate teams competing in a round-robin basketball tournament with our Buddies and participants.
Arnold Bloch Leibler has been involved in this event since its inception - from brainstorming ideas with Stephanie about how to create meaningful experiences for corporate staff, to connecting us with like-minded businesses looking to provide volunteer experiences for their teams.
Stephanie: A real highlight of my time at ABL was when I attended the very first Flying Fox Basketball Corporate Funday! As a lawyer, you can sometimes feel disconnected from how your work is actually helping your clients. The opportunity to be involved ‘on the ground’ and play basketball with the Flying Fox community and experience the magic firsthand was so rewarding.
Carly: As we continue to expand, we look forward to welcoming more corporate partners into our special organisation. If your team is interested in joining us at our next corporate day, please check out our website!
