Beyond burpees for Butterflies

Babs Dunn, 78, with Sunshine Butterflies' Anita Butler. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

MORE than 50 members from local gym Flitefit in Peregian Beach have banded together to complete the ultimate burpees challenge last month, raising $750 for not-for-profit organisation and local charity Sunshine Butterflies.
The Flite crew successfully performed a whopping 35,736 burpees in total, smashing their initial goal of 10,000. There were also some amazing individual results, with Dan Kelly, 52, completing over 3500, Babs Dunn, 78, completing 2005 and Jacqui and Luke Veary, completing 1970 as a team entry.
Flitefit owners Nicki and David said they were thrilled by the response of their members.
“We were thrilled with how they got behind such an important and worthwhile charity. Not only did we raise money for Sunshine Butterflies, but many of our members went beyond their own expectations and continually raised the bar and their perceived limitations. It has been an extraordinarily successful challenge all round,” they said.
Sunshine Butterflies is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity that strives to improve all areas in the lives of people with disabilities by providing families with parental support, information and individual assistance, swim, social and recreational opportunities, early intervention programs, post-school recreational programs, respite and personal fund-raising plans.
CEO and Founder of Sunshine Butterflies Leanne Walsh said the charity was grateful for the donation.
“I would like to thank Nicki, David and the rest of the Flitefit crew for their support and generosity. We are so grateful to every person who participated in the burpees challenge – each one has made an incredible difference, bringing new awareness and providing ongoing hope for individuals and families living with disability,” she said.
The funds raised will go towards the Sunshine Butterflies ‘Our Backyard’ project, a five-acre hobby farm which will be the base for all of their social and recreational programs and activities, have a purpose-built horticulture training facility, animal farm yard and respite facility.
‘Our Backyard’ will focus on good quality care and education and will give Sunshine Butterflies members purpose, and relieve parents of stress so they can go back to work while knowing their children are learning and having fun in a safe and happy environment.
To make a donation or to arrange any phone interviews or media inquiries, contact Anita Butler on 0434 516 944 or email marketing@sunshinebutterflies.com.au