Trekking the Tarkine & Cradle Mountain for five days – that’s what insurance broker Bree Hinchy (pictured) will soon be doing in support of Wesley Mission Queensland’s fundraising efforts for the benefit of children’s hospice Hummingbird House.
Hinchy, a broker at Toowong-based Rivers Insurance Brokers, is joining 15 other fundraisers next month in Tasmania for the Tassie Trek. Speaking with Insurance Business, the broker shared how she’s never been to Tasmania and now has the opportunity to visit while supporting “such a great” charity.
“I’m really excited, especially now that I’ve received so much support and encouragement, so much so that I’ve adjusted my fundraising target,” said Hinchy when asked about how she feels ahead of the March event. “I’m really excited for the charity, but I am also really nervous about the actual trek. So 50-50 on both nerves and excitement at the same time, and I’m hoping that the adrenaline will get me over the line.”
As of this writing, the Rivers executive has so far raised $6,000 – more than halfway towards her $10,000 target. Collectively, the 16 trekkers of the Tassie Trek aim to raise $70,000 for the only children’s hospice in Queensland. Hummingbird House aids kids with life-limiting conditions.
Hinchy’s employer, which is a member of Wesley Mission Queensland corporate sponsor CQIB (Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers), will also be donating to support her.
Additionally, Rivers is “tracking my training and keeping me accountable and making sure that I’m well prepared for it,” noted Hinchy. “My Rivers teammates have also been very supportive with a number of personal donations as well, which has been amazing.”
In preparation, Hinchy has been doing “lots and lots” of hill climbs and recently took on Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane as part of upping up the ante.
As for the timing of the undertaking, Hinchy told Insurance Business: “We did about three months [until middle of July] working from home, so going for regular walks and bike rides became something that we did as a family.
“It was really good for keeping sane and active and just dealing with different lifestyles COVID and lockdown brought about. Physically, this is probably the best time for me to get involved because I’ve been walking a lot more than usual.”
In Hinchy’s view, being out there has had a positive impact on her mentality.
“It’s been a lifesaver at the end of a very different 2020, and I’m really looking forward to [the trek],” she said. “I had the opportunity to personally see the great work that Hummingbird House is involved in, and I thought ‘what an incredible cause’.”
Donations can be made via fundraise.wmq.org.au/fundraisers/breehinchy/tassie-trek.
