SAP partner network raises AUD $1 million for Redkite charity

The SAP Australia and New Zealand partner network has marked a significant charitable achievement, reaching a total of AUD $1 million raised for Redkite, the childhood cancer support organisation. The milestone was achieved following the 14th annual SAP Redkite Regatta, an event which this year alone generated AUD $100,000 through industry participation, sponsorships and individual fundraising efforts.

Fundraising efforts

The regatta, initiated in 2011, gathers SAP executives, partners and customers for a day of yacht racing and cooperation at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Sydney. Companies such as Atturra, Accenture, CBS Consulting, Deloitte, DXC Technology, Fair Consulting Group, HR Crowd, PwC, SNP Group, Wipro and Zalaris contributed sponsorship and support this year.

This year's event was also marked by individual acts of generosity. Ana Travers, Regional Head of Alliance - SAP Signavio APJ, personally contributed AUD $7,500 by shaving her head in support of the cause.

Business community support

The ongoing involvement from industry partners has been a consistent driver behind the regatta's fundraising success. Participation in the event is bolstered by club members making their vessels and expertise available, supplemented by fundraising activities such as raffles.

Ashley McGibbon, Chief Partner Officer, SAP ANZ, underscored the event's impact:

"Events like the Redkite Regatta do more than bring our industry together for a great day on the water - 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. 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."

Redkite partnership

The funds assist Redkite in supporting families affected by childhood cancer across Australia. The organisation provides financial relief and emotional support, helping parents remain by their child's side in hospital and easing the pressures that come with a cancer diagnosis.

"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. 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," said Monique Keighery, Chief Executive Officer at Redkite.

Event outcomes

This year's regatta included competitive and non-competitive events suited to different skill levels. Perisoft emerged as the winner of Division 1, while EPI-USE secured first place in Division 2.

Mahesh Viswanathan, Managing Director, Perisoft, said, "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."

Ian Fox, Managing Director, EPI-USE ANZ, reflected on the collaboration, "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 Fox.