Five years ago a fundraising initiative was born from the desire to find a unique way to raise funds for The Mai-Wel Group, whilst at the same time giving back to local businesses that get behind the not-for-profit organisation.

As a result, Tony Cant Real Estate donated a large, distinctive trophy of an owl with the plaque, ‘We give a HOOT about The Mai-Wel Group’ -to be auctioned each year at a Mai-Wel function.

The winning individual or business secures the opportunity to proudly display the trophy in their office and promote the goodwill of their business.

This year, the trophy (nicknamed, ‘Harry the Hooter’), was auctioned at The Mai-Wel Group’s annual corporate sports day, Play-Wel for Mai-Wel, and was won by long-time Mai-Wel supporter, Janine Harris, from In Properties for Investors.

“Winning this trophy provides a fantastic opportunity for In Properties for Investors to not only raise awareness for The Mai-Wel Group but to feel proud of our long standing association with this outstanding charity,” Janine said.

Janine was one of the co-founders of Play-Wel for Mai-Wel, an event that has raised more than $105,906 since its inception five years ago.

This year, the event proved to be particularly successful for Janine as not only did she win Harry the Hooter, but also her team, ‘In Properties Invincibles’, took out the Champion Sporting Team title.

“I highly recommend local businesses get involved in Play-Wel for Mai-Wel. It really is a fun day filled with great networking and team building potential, all in an effort to raise money for local people with a disability. This year we saw almost 40 Hunter businesses raise an incredible $20,000 for The Mai-Wel Group.”

Image | Perpetual trophy winner for 2013, Dan Walsh of Tailored Wealth, passing the trophy to 2014 winner, Janine Harris of In Properties for Investors.