From Accountant’s Calendar – August 2011

FOR ZJL Partners’ Partner, Peter Locandro, Melbourne Cup Day last year was not all about horses and champagne.

Between placing bets and watching the race that stops the nation Peter found out that he would be one of ten people from Australia travelling to the Big Apple for the 2011 New York Marathon to raise money for the Cure Cancer Foundation.

With 12 weeks to go until the event, Peter is training hard and putting in the miles along the Yarra to prepare for the 42km through the streets of New York on November 6.

An avid runner he has competed in five marathons to date although this will be his most significant.

“Everyone is touched by cancer in some way or another; whether it be family or friends. I thought it would be great to raise money by competing in a major marathon,” he reflected.

“We always promote our firm as more than an accounting practice because we’re not just accountants. We like to give something back. This was the perfect way to do it.”

So far Peter alone has raised $10,230 and the group of ten have raised almost $46,000. The donations have come from a combination of everyone – clients, family, friends and some people Peter doesn’t even know.

“I’ve been very pleasantly surprised. It’s amazing when you put yourself out there the support you get,” he said.

Active in the community, ZJL Partners sponsor local sporting teams as well as support local schools. They have also been involved with the Rotary Club of Noble Park for the last 20 years.

“So we certainly sponsor a lot of events and try and give a bit back to the community in that regard,” he continued.

The marathon is broadcast live on local TV and takes in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx before finishing at Central Park.

The 40,000 runners that compete in the event come from all parts of the world. Even though the event receives about 250,000 applications the race numbers are limited and competitors are selected by ballot.

“It was wonderful to be accepted into it and people I speak to are excited because it’s one of those things that not many people complete and the fact that we’re doing it for a wonderful cause makes it even more rewarding,” he said.

To support Peter, donate to the charity and learn more about the Cure Cancer Foundation log on to www.gofundraise.com.au/peterlocandro.