Charity group leader is punching above his weight

Charity group leader is punching above his weight to inspire brighter futures 

A Brisbane charity founder will put his body on the line for a gruelling 27 hours of boxing and exercise to promote awareness of the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation. 

John Godwin will participate in 27 one-hour training sessions over six days, throwing more than 70,000 punches and doing 2,000 crunches, 600 push-ups, 20km of running and 20km of cycling. 

A host of local celebrities and politicians will also participate in the unique fundraising event, including Shark Tank celebrity Glen Richards, Wallaby legends Andrew Slack, Ben Mowen and Toutai Kefu, former Miss Universe Australia and local celebrity Kimberley Busteed and Queensland cricketing husband Chris Simpson, Brisbane Deputy Mayor Krista Adams, State Member for Greenslopes and Deputy Speaker Joe Kelly, and Brisbane Lions women’s stars. 

There may also be an appearance from one of Australia’s greatest boxing champions plus some rugby league legends and other surprise sport, business, civic and cultural leaders. 

The sessions will be held at Coorparoo Boxing Gym from Monday 22 November to Saturday 27 November. Students from Mabel Park State High School will join in the ‘fun’ on Thursday, 25 November at 12pm. 

Inspiring Brigher Futures Foundation (IBFF), formerly known as Fair Go Australia, is a non-profit organisation that provides wellbeing mentoring progams for a wide range of disadvantaged people in the community. 

Mr Godwin said the event would help to raise a planned $27,000 by Christmas, allowing 54 more young people to participate in IBFF’s school based programs. 

“I am really pumped to be taking on this challenge, which hopefully shows just how passionate I am about making a difference in the lives of many Queenslanders doing it tough,” said the 52-year-old. 

“While it’s a pretty daunting test of fitness and stamina, I certainly won’t be alone with such an amazing group of supporters joining me along the way.” 

Coorporoo Boxing Gym Founder Harry Costi said he was proud to be supporting the 27-hour challenge and the vital work undertaken by IBFF. 

“We are thrilled to be able to support John as he puts his body and soul on the line to raise awareness for this incredible organisaiton,” Mr Costi said. 

“In my 30 years as a boxing instructor, I have seen very few people take on a something as physically challenging as this. Luckily, there will be plenty of our regular sports stars and some other well-known locals also participating and cheering him on.” 

IBFF’s wellbeing mentoring programs help people to learn practical skills, thus improving their self-esteem, personal values and resilience, while encouraging them to set goals they can apply in their everyday lives. The group already has more than 300 volunteers and has helped more than 3,500 participants over the past decade. 

The volunteer mentors are driven by the chance to make a real and positive difference to disadvantage people, including domestic violence victims, unemployed parents, students and youth at risk, mental health sufferers, indigenous teenagers, homeless people, refugees, ex-offenders and young adults transitioning to work. More than 50 job new job pathways have been created for participants in only the past three years. 

The non-profit organisation is supported by corporate partners and donors, and works with other social enterprise partners to provide a wholistic and more complete solution to helping people to make practical changes in their lives. 

The IBFF board features a range of business, marketing and education leaders, including Greencross Vets founder, entrepreneur and former Channel 10 Shark Tank celebrity Glen Richards. 

Members of the local community are encouraged to come along and support John Godwin by attending the event or donating to IBFF by visiting https://gofund.me/ede31d75. 

Stephen Sealey John Godwin
Pitch Public Relations

MEDIA RELEASE 17 November 2021