In a display of commitment to a worthy cause, mortgage leader Jean-Pierre Gortan, managing director of Simplicity Loans & Advisory, is lacing up his shoes to run in the Larapinta Trail Race to raise funds for the Women's Resilience Centre (WRC).
Running alongside his friend Arpit Srivastava, Gortan hopes 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.
“As a father of two young daughters, the cause of supporting at-risk women is incredibly important to me,” said Gortan (pictured above).
“From August 16-19, we will be running in the Larapinta stage race, of which participants will cover 127 kilometers over four days,” he said.
The Larapinta Stage Race is a premier multi-day trail running event held annually in the Northern Territory.
Founded to showcase the rugged beauty and challenging terrain of the iconic Larapinta Trail, the race has quickly become a must-do for trail running enthusiasts worldwide.
“This challenge is not just a test of endurance, but a powerful opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of women who have faced significant trauma,” Gortan said
With one woman killed every 11 days in 2022-23, domestic violence has become, in the words of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a “national crisis” and a “problem of our entire society”.
On average, a woman who is abused by her partner will return to the abusive situation between seven and 11 times before she leaves or dies, according to the WRC.
It’s because they often lack the support network, funds, job, or clear pathway to make the long-term decision to live somewhere else.
“We know this because we have been there. Most of our team members have lived experience,” said Simone Allan, director of WRC. “They are in a good place now to give service and support, and that's why we are so passionate about helping women find life on the other side.”
Allan said these women are “traumatised and coerced” and are up against “extensive and confusing” paperwork even to just receive subsidies from the government.
“The recent government budget has been focused almost entirely on homelessness services and early intervention at schools,” she said.
The Women’s Resilience Centre aims to support two groups of women not covered by the recent government funding:
To help these at-risk women, the WRC offers crucial services such as:
These programs provide comprehensive support to help women rebuild their lives, regain independence, and foster resilience.
“We partner each woman up with a mentor who has lived experience and understands so that she can feel comfortable,” said Allan.
“Our programs cover everything she needs to set herself up and, most importantly, not do it alone.”
Over one month out from his $100,000 goal, Gortan has already raised $45,000, with prominent mortgage industry businesses donating to the cause.
Some notable names include Zagga finance, Secured Lending, Simplicity Loans & Advisory, Capspace, LMG, and Pepper Money.
In 2023, the Women's Resilience Centre supported 229 women in 50 regions of Australia.
“With your help, we can continue and grow into 2024 and beyond,” said Allan.
Gortan detailed how the mortgage industry can show their support:
1. Donate
“Any contribution, big or small, can make a significant impact,” Gortan said. “Your donation will go directly to the Centre's programs, offering hope and support to those who need it most.”
2. Share
“Help spread the word by sharing this post with your network,” said Gortan. “The more people we reach, the greater our collective impact.”
3. Support
“Join us in spirit as I take on this gruelling race. Your encouragement means the world to me and the women we aim to support,” Gortan said. “Together, we can help build a stronger, more resilient community. Thank you for your support.”
To donate, click here.
