Despite looming rain clouds, spirits remained high at this year’s ‘Capri on Via Roma 24-hour Paddle’, with local business people putting their bodies to the test in support of a great cause.

Kollosche teamed up with supplement brand Body Science to take part in the event organised by charity Men Of Business (MOB) Academy to raise funds for its latest initiative.

In its sixth year, the gruelling event saw15 teams paddle continuously around the Isle of Capri for 24 hours.

Kollosche contributed $5,000 to the cause through its Community Fund, with a further $2,550 raised by the team.

This is one of the many worthy causes that Kollosche has supported through its Community Fund, which was established in 2021 as a way for agents and support staff to giveback to charities, organisations and individuals in-need.

More than $210,000 was raised in total with all funds going towards the construction of MOB HQ – a state-of-the-arts independent special assistance school in the heart of Southport.

THE MOB ACADEMY MISSION

MOB Academy is on a mission to revolutionize education, providing tailored learning programs and support to secondary school boys who don’t fit the mould of mainstream schools.

Conscious of the link between school disengagement, unemployment and potential criminal behaviour, the charity provides early intervention for at-risk youth through its alternative education and employment pathways.

Founder Marco Renai was inspired to start MOB Academy after his own struggles fitting into mainstream schooling as a boy. Lucky enough to get back on track through sport and hospitality, Marco was motivated to help other young boys find their way to a brighter future.

MOB Academy started in 2009 asa program for at-risk youth, which Marco would run out of schools and community centres from Toowoomba to Tweed Heads.

Strong community support for the initiative enabled Marco and his growing team to raise $1 million to open their first MOB Academy in Southport In 2020.

To date, the facility provides a safe and supportive learning environment for Year 11 and 12 students, helping them to achieve their QCE, VET qualifications or employment opportunities.

“I wanted to build the school I would have wanted to go to,” says Marco. Beyond its education and employment pathways, the facility provides a safe environment that fosters physical health, emotional wellbeing, resilience, and community engagement.

“My vision was to create a space where our students feel welcome to be who they are,” he says.

“I want to empower them to build a bright future for themselves, with our amazing team supporting them every step of the way.”

DREAMING BIG

With 220 enrolled students and an ever-growing waitlist of boys, MOB is now looking to expand through the construction of MOB HQ, a seven-storey facility that would cater for450 boys between Years 7 and 12.

Having secured the land, the MOB Academy team needs to raise$20 million by the end of 2026 to achieve its ambitious target of opening MOB HQ in 2027.

“The support we receive from the community and local corporate sponsors such as Kollosche is what will make MOB HQ possible,” says Marco,who is currently brainstorming new and exciting initiatives, like the Capri On Via Roma 24-hour Paddle, to get the community involved in the fundraising efforts.

He is also urging local businesses to support these young men on their journey from student to employee by offering valuable work experience opportunities across different industries.

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Learn more about MOB Academy at menofbusiness.com.au

Learn more about the Community Fund