Boot camp Melbourne

As at Monday morning 24 September 60 floors are sponsored.  To see our generous supporters click here.  If you or a business you know would like to sponsor a floor please conatct dshiell.interplast@surgeons.org.
For the latest Bulletin with an Update on how the event is shaping up click here.
The event
The plan is for teams of surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and other Interplast supporters to climb the stairs of the Eureka Tower in Melbourne on 14 October 2007 for a whole day 9am to 5pm.  The Eureka Tower in Melbourne is the tallest residential building in the southern hemisphere with 92 residential floors.

A team (4 people) will start to climb the stairs of the tower at 9am, and a new team will start the climb every 10 mins so there is a team continuously climbing until 5pm.  It is expected to take anywhere between 15 – 45 mins to climb the tower, it is not a race, you can walk it if you wish.  However we will have a token prize for the team that climbs the tower the quickest, and another prize for the team that raises the most amount of money.
 
The aim is to raise $92,000; $1,000 per floor.  Those who donate $1,000 or more will be listed on the event t-shirt.  A token prize will be awarded to the team that completes the climb the quickest and the team that raises the most amount of funds.
 
For a participation registration form that must be signed by all participants, please click here.
What is the whole point of the event?  Why climb the Eureka Tower?
There are a few reasons behind the event.
 
1. Passion
To show the high levels of support by the many volunteers of Interplast (surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses) for Interplast programs and activities.  Medical personnel volunteer many hours and over a number of years, it is this high level of support that has contributed to the success of Interplast activities and of the organisation as a whole.  It is because of the volunteers that Interplast has continued to grow over its 24 years, trained so many medical personnel in the countries where Interplast programs are conducted, and performed nearly 17,000 instantly life changing operations.  The message is the volunteers (surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and Interplast supporters) are so passionate about Interplast they are willing to do anything, even climb the highest residential building in the world to raise funds and awareness for a charity they believe so passionately in.
 
2. Publicity
Interplast remains largely unknown by the general public.  Plastic surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses climbing the stairs of the tallest residential building in the world for a charity they also volunteer for will attract media attention for Interplast.  This will enable Interplast to communicate its credibility and achievement to the public through the media and attract more funding.
 
3. Proud
In a recent survey sent to a random sample of volunteers it was clear that they were very proud of the achievements of the charity they have chosen to volunteer for, and not only willing but proud to participate in any activity that would publicise the achievements of Interplast and therefore attract more funding.
 
4. Fundraising
Apart from the passion and publicity this is also an opportunity to raise funds for Interplast.  The event is an opportunity for businesses who have not been involved with Interplast in the past to make a tax deductible contribution to a successful charity that really does make a difference but also receive a little bit of publicity because of the association with a fun, unique event. Click here for a Eureka Donation Form.
 

How much will the event raise?

We aim to raise $1,000 per floor, $92,000.
 
But I am not a surgeon, anaesthetist or nurse, can I enter the event?
The event is not open to the public however you can enter if you know a surgeon, anaesthetist, or other person who volunteers or is involved in Interplast.   Given the reason behind the event you have to be an Interplast supporter to participate in the event.  An Interplast supporter is someone who has volunteered or collected money for Interplast to support the work of the volunteers.
 

What does Interplast do?

Interplast is a charity that sends teams of volunteer plastic and reconstructive surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses to countries in the Asia Pacific to provide programs of treatment and training.  The volunteer teams treat conditions such as cleft lip, cleft palate and burn scar contractures and on every program train local medical personnel to increase the level and access to health care in those countries.
 
Interplast was formed as an association between Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Rotary in 1983.  Since that time have trained hundreds of surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses and sponsored 60 to receive part of their training in Australia.  Interplast has sent approximately 600 volunteers on nearly 400 programs to 22 countries performed 28,000 consultations and 17,000 instantly life changing operations.  Nearly two thirds of the plastic & reconstructive surgeons in Australia and New Zealand have volunteered for at least one program some volunteering for nearly 30!  Interplast is an amazing success story in humanitarian aid and development work.
 
Donations over $1,000
People or businesses that make a donation of a $1,000 or more will be listed on the event t-shirt.  Every participant will be sent an event t-shirt that must be worn on the day of the event.  Of course the more floors sponsored (money donated) the bigger their name or logo on the shirt.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How will the event work?

There will be a marshall stationed in the basement (start point) level 24, level 53 and the roof (the end).  Each team will be allocated a start time that they need to commence their climb.  The teams must be at the start point at least 20 mins prior to the start time.  The teams will commence their climb and then be ticked of by each marshall along the way.  A new team will start the climb every 10 minutes
 

Are there any prizes?

Yes, just to add a bit more fun to the day we will be offering a prize to theteam that raises the most amount of money for the event, and also the team that is the quickest to reach the top of the tower!  Start your training now.  The prizes are a token of appreciation, details will be finalised closer to the event.
 

Do I have to register to participate in the event?

Yes if you want to participate in the event you must let Interplast know so they can allocate you a time to commence your climb so they can have a team climbing the tower for the whole day.  Don’t worry if you haven’t started the fundraising yet, register your team first so you get a spot.
 

How do I register my team?

Email Debbie at dshiell.interplast@surgeons.org and let her know the name of the team, and the two or three team members.  Download the Participation Registration Form here and fax it through on 03 9249 1235, or post it in to Interplast, RACS, Spring Street, MELBOURNE   VIC  3000.
 

Can I climb the tower by myself?  What constitutes a team?

For safety reasons you must climb the tower in a team of 4.  There will be a minimum of four people climbing at a time and it is important for the team members to stay together for the duration of the climb so choose members that are at your level of fitness.
 
Whilst the teams are a minimum of 4 we have had to cap them at a maximum of 4, because it is a residential building we have to keep noise to a minimum in the stair wells.  So try and keep your heavy breathing down a little.
I have 8 people in my team is that OK?
Thats fine althought the 8 of you cannot climb at the same time.  You will be split in two teams of four.
 

What is the definition of an Interplast supporter?

An Interplast supporter is someone who has volunteered or collected funds for Interplast.
I'd like to enter the event, do I have to raise money for Interplast?
If you have volunteered for an Interplast program the fund raising is entirely optional, if your friends have been looking for an oppotunity to support the organisation you volunteer for this is one of them.
If you have not volunteered for an Interplast program you need to know somebody involved in Interplast and collect funds for Interplast to be considered a supporter and therefore eligable to enter the event.  Remember this event is not open to the public.

How much money do I have to raise to be an 'interplast supporter'?

This is not meant to be an onerous task, its part of the fun of the event.  Walking up the stairs is only one aspect, the opportunity to raise money to make a difference in someone’s life leaves you with a far greater sense of achievement - just ask the volunteers.  How much do you need to raise?  That is up to you.
I want to be an Interplast supporter but I have never collected funds for a charity before – how do I do it?
Remember you are not collecting money for you personally, you are collecting money so Australian and New Zealand volunteers can perform free operations (mainly on children) to give them a chance to reach their potential and not be a burden on their family or society, and train their international counterparts.
 
There are a number of ways you can collect donations for Interplast, that are listed below.  Just remember you need to keep a list of who has given you how much so we can write out their tax deductible receipts.  Click here for the Eureka Donation Form.
 

Cash

You can collect the cash from family and friends and either bring it in to Interplast or pay Interplast by credit card or cheque for the amount.  You will need to post/email or fax a list of the donors and amounts so we can issue receipts.
 

Cheques

Cheques must be payable to Interplast Australia & New Zealand.  The donor can either send the cheque directly to Interplast or give it to you to tally and send with the other money you have collected.  If they send it directly to Interplast make sure they clearly state that it is to be tributed to you.
 

Credit Card donations

If people want to make a donation with a credit card they can use the Eureka Donation Form.  They can complete the form and post of fax it to Interplast (fax 03 9249 1231).
 
Online
Donations can be made directly to Interplast via this webiste www.interplast.com.au.  Click here to go to the Interplast secure on-line donations page.  It is important that the donor tribute the donation to you in the message section of the donation page.  So we can keep a track of how much you raise.
 

Everyday Hero Website

Interplast is also a member of the Everyday Hero Website.  Everyday Hero is a website that allows everyday heros (such as yourselves) to collect donations from your friends/family/colleagues all online when you undertake an event and raise money for your chosen charity at the same time.
 
All you have to do is register yourself (very simple process) and then email your registration page out to your potential donors telling them what you are doing.  They can check out Interplast on the site and make a donation on line directly via the website and they keep a track of how much you raise, issue your donors with tax deductible receipts and you don’t have the hassle of collecting the money.  Naturally its is all safe and secure.  Check out the website and see if it’s right for you.
 

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes Interplast Australia & New Zealand is a deductible gift recipient and as such will issue a receipt for the donors to claim for tax deductibility for all donations over $2.00 AUD.
 
I know a business that might be interested in sponsoring the event – do you have information I can send them?
Absolutely, just contact Debbie at Interplast on 03 9249 1231 or dshiell.interplast@surgeons.org.
 
What if I raise over $1,000, can I get my name on the event t-shirt?
You betcha!  Naturally if a business donates the $1,000 they might prefer their name is on the shirt, however if you were to raise $1,000 from a number of people – your name is up in lights!
 

When is the money due?

The money you raise needs to be with Interplast on or before the day of the event 14 October 2007.
 

Event t-shirts?

Every participant will be given a t-shirt, that must be worn on the day of the event.  The t-shirt is to promote the numerous people who have helped Interplast achieve their goal of $1,000 a floor.  Who knows we might make it an even $100K??
 

Water?

It is important to remain hydrated for the event. It is planned to have bottles of water stationed every 10 levels of the tower for participants to use.
 

Safety?

Volunteers will be stationed on the plant floors on level 24 and 53.  The marshall at the basement will inform the plant floor marshalls of the name of the team who have commenced their climb and we will tick everyone off to ensure no one is left behind.  We will also have medical teams available.
 

Parking?

There is no public parking available at eureka tower.  However parking is available next door at Wilsons Car Park.
 

When will I start my climb?

Once the number of climbers has been finalised each team will be allocated a time.  Depending on the number of teams that enter will either commence every a team climbing every 10, 15 or 20 mins.  So your start time will be assured.  Please aim to be there at least 45 mins prior to your start time – just in case.
 

How many steps are there?

We will be starting from the basement and walking up the stairs all the way to the roof.  So technically if there are 92 floors, add one basement level and one roof top climb is roughly 94 floors and approximately 20 steps per floor with two flights of 10 steps per floor.  We estimate 1,880 steps…easy.
 

Cut off dates?

Friday October 3 is the final date to enter teams into the event.
 

I know someone who wants to support the event but doesn’t want to climb?

Volunteers are needed on the day also to be stationed at the 4 marshall sites
 
The basement
Level 24
Level 53
Roof top
 
They can volunteer for a couple of hours or the whole day or anything in between.
 

How long is it going to take to climb the tower?

How fit are you?  4 people who work in the tower have done it.  One a marathon runner did it in 15 mins, one walked it in 20 and another fit person did it in 30mins.  The first 10 floors are the hardest then you get into a rhythm.  It's OK if you take 60mins, the important thing is to go at your own pace and stay with your team.  Stop if you need to and call for help.
 

Showers?

If you would like to have a shower after your climb we are able to use the gym showers on level 10.  You will need to see Debbie to get a swipe card for access.
 
 

INTERPLAST CONTACT DETAILS

 
Interplast Australia & New Zealand
c/- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Spring Street
MELBOURNE   VIC   3000
 
Tel        03 9249 1231
Fax       03 9249 1235
Email   Interplast@surgeons.org
Web     www.interplast.com.au