SAP ANZ partner network raises $1m for charity

The SAP ANZ partner network today announced that it has reached its $1 million fundraising target for Redkite, an Australian charity dedicated to supporting families facing the challenges of childhood cancer.

The achievement comes as a result of $100,000 being raised at this year’s 14th Redkite Regatta – an annual event that brings together SAP executives, partners and customers for a day of friendly competition and connection.

Hosted by the Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC), the regatta is in part made possible bymembers making their boats and skippers available to support the fundraising efforts.

Since it kicked-off in 2011, the annual event has set itself a $1 million target, powered through the participation and sponsorship of organisations including Atturra, Accenture, CBS Consulting, Deloitte, DXC Technology, Fair Consulting Group, HR Crowd, PwC, SNP Group, Wipro and Zalaris.

Over the years it has also benefited from additional fundraising efforts including raffles – and this year, Ana Travers, regional head of alliance for SAP Signavio APJ, contributed $7,500 by shaving her head.  

Ashley McGibbon, chief partner officer, SAP ANZ, said events like the Redkite Regatta do more than bring the industry together – they create real, measurable impact for families facing childhood cancer.

"They also showcase the teamwork, shared purpose and community spirit that define our partner network and commitment to what OneSAP is all about: people, relationships, outcomes and the difference we make together," said McGibbon.

"Fundraising events like this strengthen the bonds between our teams and partners and remind us that the same collaboration driving customer success can also drive meaningful change in our communities. A huge thank you to MHYC and all sponsors for making the Regatta such a success.”

“Through the Redkite Regatta, both this year and over the past 14 years, SAP and their partners have demonstrated their enduring commitment to helping families facing childhood cancer across Australia," said Redkite CEO, Monique Keighery.

"Their generosity helps parents stay by their child’s side in hospital by easing the financial pressures of a cancer diagnosis and funding the emotional and practical care families need to cope with the trauma that childhood cancer brings. We’re so grateful to SAP and its partners for their unwavering passion, ambition and generosity,” 

This year’s winners included Perisoft, who claimed the Division 1 title, while EPI-USE took the Division 2 win.

“We are proud to have taken out Division 1 at this year’s Redkite Regatta and even prouder to have done so while supporting such an important cause. Events like this remind us of the importance of community spirit, and we are honoured to support Redkite and its work,” said Mahesh Viswanathan, MD of Perisoft. 

"Joining SAP for the Regatta in support of the Redkite Foundation was an incredible experience. It was a perfect day on the water, filled with great company and a shared sense of purpose. Sailing together was a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork and trust, and it was inspiring to see so many people unite behind such a meaningful cause," said Ian Fox, MD of EPI-USE ANZ.