You may have witnessed a group of inspirational business leaders charging along Perth’s pristine beaches at the crack of dawn these past few months, training for their much-anticipated cape2cape CEO Trek on May 5th.
Our latest Trek heroes are from different walks of life but with one common goal – to trek 135km from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturalist for youth mental health.
Proving what can be achieved when 25 CEOs join forces, these men and women have broken all our previous fundraising records.They’ve raised a massive $645,000 so far, to fund our range of school programs and leadership camps.
We spoke with three of the CEOs who are swapping their suits for boots
Leading the charge on the fundraising front is Managing Director of Grounded Construction Group Paul Natoli , who has raised over $100,000 himself. He is taking on the trek to not only raise crucial funds but to also test and bolster his own resilience and determination.
“I felt compelled to contribute,” explains Paul.
“On a personal level, I’ve tragically lost two dear friends to suicide, which has undoubtedly deepened my connection to the cause. With two young children under the age of 10, I felt a profound sense of obligation to contribute. It’s essential for me that they grow up understanding it’s acceptable to seek support and speak openly about their struggles.”
“Mental health issues significantly affect our youth today, and I’ve observed this trend extending into adulthood, impacting people in my industry as well.”
Hot on the heels of Paul incredible fundraising efforts is Director of Credentia Construction, Willie Boylan. Having raised over $84,000 he notes that there’s no shortage of comradery and competition to see who’s raising the most.
Willie was inspired to join the Trek after his son attended zero2hero’s Camp Hero program last year.
“My son did the camp in April 2023 and it was life-changing for him. He went to the camp just a typical teenage boy and he came back a different man,” he said.
“He came back so bubbly and had made lifelong friends. I’ve seen first-hand what the camp is capable of so I signed up to do the Trek.”
Willie believes zero2hero’s programs are crucial for preventing youth suicide, noting that the funds raised during the cape2cape CEO Trek will touch lives far and wide.
“I think this cause is obviously relevant to a lot of people and a lot of companies, especially in the construction industry,” he shares.
“I’ve got three young kids and I can see how growing up in this day and age is different to when we grew up with all the pressures from technology and social media and bullying. That’s probably the main reason why I got involved.”
Trekker Michael Perna, CEO of Perna Engineering, is walking alongside his brother Daniel, and says he had many motivations for taking on the Trek. After losing five people in his life in one year to suicide, including a 19-year-old apprentice, his cousin, and close friends, Michael says the suicide prevention component of zero2hero is something that is very close to his heart.
Trekking with the close-knit group, most of whom have been friends for many years, Michael initially thought “the challenge would be awesome” and finds the amount raised so far has been inspiring.
“We all have an amazing network of friends, colleagues and clients and that’s what’s enabled us to achieve that. It’s just been incredible. I’d be surprised if we don’t crack $700,000.”
And with the funds raised, Michael is well aware of the impact this will have on the youth of WA.
“Hopefully it gives zero2hero the resources to do what they do best to ensure that young people have the help and guidance needed for these kids to get better, to feel better.”
“I’ve got teenage daughters, 19 and 21, and I see the challenges for the kids today with social media and bullying. I can’t fathom how people can be so mean to each other, especially the younger generation.”
His message to other CEOs considering joining the next cape2cape CEO Trek is to “jump on board – I think it will be the adventure of a lifetime!”
Make a donation to our CEO Trekkers HERE before June 15, or find out about our October CEO Trek HERE.
Want to get involved with zero2hero’s events? Join us at The Heroes Lunch!
