Mortgage brokers often find themselves at the heart of their communities, helping clients achieve their financial and homeownership dreams.
But beyond the day-to-day business, there's a unique opportunity for brokers to make an even greater impact—through fundraising for charity.
This was recently exemplified by Jean-Pierre Gortan, a mortgage broker from Simplicity Loans & Advisory, who successfully raised $122,000 for the Women’s Resilience Centre (WRC), demonstrating the power and benefits of industry driven initiatives.
Gortan said it was amazing to meet WRC founder Simone Allan and hand over the cheque (pictured above).
“Thank you to all the corporate and individual sponsors who donated funds to such a worthy cause,” Gortan said. “Whilst the cheque only shows $104k, we have since raised over $120k! Amazing outcome, thank you.”
Running alongside his friend Arpit Srivastava, Gortan hoped to raise $100,000 for the charity service, which provides long-term support for women transitioning from short-term crisis care to full recovery from trauma, profound loss, and domestic abuse.
In terms of the race itself, Gortan said he was underprepared for the 20 hours of running and 5 km of elevation over four days.
“The trail tested me mentally and physically, with moments where I wanted to give up. But knowing that so many people were counting on me kept me going.”
And while the 127-kilometer race through the bush was the most demanding challenge he had ever faced, the tears at the finish line were not from the sheer exhaustion but from the enormity of what was accomplished. 
Gortan thanked the many corporate sponsors from the mortgage industry.
Some notable names include Westpac, Mitbrand, Bendigo, M3 Valuers, Balmain Group, Judo Bank, Zagga finance, Secured Lending, Simplicity Loans & Advisory, Capspace, LMG, Traders in Purple, Waterco, Qualitas, and Pepper Money.
“Your support made this possible, and I am so proud to have carried your names through this journey,” Gortan said.
“This was more than just a run; it was a testament to what we can achieve when we come together for a cause greater than ourselves.”
See LinkedIn post here.
After five years of supporting the CEO Sleepout, in which Gortan raised over $42,000 last year to rank in the top five fundraisers in the country, he felt it was time to focus on a smaller, lesser-known charity, particularly one with a local impact.
“As a father of two young daughters, I wanted to set an example for them, showing that supporting women and fostering resilience in our community is crucial,” Gortan said.
“The Women's Resilience Centre resonated deeply with me because of its mission to help women rebuild their lives after trauma.
“It’s a beacon of hope for women who have faced unimaginable hardships. Their work is vital, offering not just a safe space but the tools and support needed to rebuild lives.”
Getting involved in charitable fundraising doesn’t have to be as intense as running a 20-hour trail. It could be as simple as hosting a charity golf day or cricket match, a trivia night, or setting up a matching donation campaign.
It could be taking part in a national event like the CEO Sleepout or buying a brick to help end homelessness.
The key is to start small, engage your network, and build momentum over time.
You don’t have to do it alone either. Collaborate with other brokers, local businesses, or corporate sponsors, as Gortan did.
His efforts saw around $80,000 of the $122,000 raised come from corporate sponsorships, showcasing the power of partnership.
For Gortan, his focus is to shine the light on the WRC.
“I urge everyone to support the incredible cause – whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply being aware of the challenges women in our community face,” he said.
“Together, we can make a significant difference in their lives and help them find the strength to thrive again.”
By embracing fundraising, mortgage brokers can play a pivotal role in supporting the resilience and well-being of those around them.
The impact is profound, not only for the beneficiaries but also for the brokers themselves and the communities they serve.
