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Ramy | Australian Piling Experts
The challenges of COVID-19 for Allowah had significant impacts on our financial situation. When we were in need, Ramy Hanna of Australian Piling Experts stepped up to give Allowah a fighting chance. Under the alias, “The Digger”, Ramy challenged his friends in the construction industry to open their hearts to Allowah too. With his love for Allowah, The Digger made the impact from our generous donors go further by matching their gifts up to $110,000. We’re so grateful for corporate partners like Ramy and the team at Australian Piling Experts. What we do at Allowah, is only made possible by generous hearts like these.
A Chat with The Digger - June 2021
Q: Introduce yourself and your organisation and tell us about your journey with Allowah.
A: So I’m The Digger, and I’m here on a journey with Allowah to help raise some funds. I hope with my influence and my contribution, that other people will step their game up with me.
We came across to know Allowah through some members from our church that pointed us towards this ministry in need.
Australian Piling Experts is a family-owned business in the construction industry as subcontractors. We’re blessed with a lot of high profile projects and deals. Part of our motto and goal when we started our business was to give back to charities, specifically charities that revolve around children and children with disabilities and complex health needs. When we met these kids [here at Allowah], we felt that the least we can do is give some of our income to help them get this specialised care.
Q: How have you found your visit to Allowah today?
A: I’ve been privileged to meet some of the kids in the hospital today. I walked around and met kids age ranging from 3 years old, all the way to 18 and they have it tough. Thinking about the challenges that come when you can’t communicate, walk, talk or even eat. What I witnessed today in being at the hospital and seeing these kids… I was surprised just seeing how much love there is here. It’s like this place is full of love. It was so touching, and this is exactly we decided to give and we decided to help.
Q: What have you observed from the staff that care for the children at Allowah?
A: One of the observations I made today at the hospital is how much the nurses, support workers, and other staff really love the kids. From the way they feed the kids, comfort the kids and play with the kids, you can see how kind, sensitive and loving they are. Being someone who works in a rough and tough environment like construction, seeing this love and care really warms my heart.
The people who work here really love it, with some being here for nearly 10, 20 or even 30 years. And their work isn’t easy. They are all so skilled to be able to care and support these children, whilst trying to understand them and communicate with them in a way that honours them. Us in the industry – we don’t have that skill and that sensitivity to comfort and communicate the way these nurses and support workers can. But that doesn’t mean we can’t help. We can easily be there financially to help make it easier for the staff at Allowah who are on the ground and working in this place. So let’s do our part.
To my friends in the industry – we drink concrete for breakfast. Whilst you may have the skills to run a successful business, these people have skills that we don’t have to comfort and care for children with complex disabilities and health needs.
And while I can’t do what they do, I’ll be using my skills to help this Allowah so that they can continue doing the good work they do for these kids and their families. Let’s contribute to those who have the skills that we don’t have and continue building this place up and serve our community.
Q: You've decided to help out in a big way. Tell us about this exciting campaign we're launching today.
A: This year we heard that Allowah hasn’t met their target. Where will they go? We have been contributing to Allowah for the last few years and in hearing this, we took on a challenge to match a dollar-for-dollar donation in order to encourage other people to meet Allowah’s fundraising goal for them to keep going.
I’m willing to go the extra mile. So let’s do it. Let’s keep digging. Allowah is a charity that’s been close to mine and my business’s heart for the last few years. And this time they’re big time struggling. They reached out to some regular donors like me, and I have decided that I will be matching the donations, dollar-for-dollar.
I encourage you to get in this journey with me and dig deep in your pockets and feel good about giving. So please share this journey with me and let’s do something to give back. To my friends in the industry – I know it’s been a really successful year for you and for many businesses. However, there are a lot of people that have been hurt financially in the last year because of COVID. And here at Allowah, they’re not only being affected as a hospital, but have been financially impacted too.
Q: You're challenging others in businesses to join you. What do you want to say to them?
A: That’s right – I’m matching donations dollar-for-dollar. I want you to make it hard of me this year. If you give 20, I’ll give 20. If you give 30, I’ll give 30. Bring me to my breaking point. Challenge me and let’s see how much we can give back to these amazing kids.
To my friends in the industry – you’ve heard the saying, “It’s better to give them to receive”. We’ve received a lot in the last 12 months, as you know. But I’m telling you, there’s joy in giving and especially giving to these kids.
I don’t want to do this alone. I know there are many people that are wealthier than me, more successful than me, kinder than me and more giving than me. So here I am, just a little guy trying to influence and encourage the rest of you to dig in your pockets and walk on this journey with us, here at Allowah.
