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From Corporate Champion to Lifelong Advocate: Libby’s MS Brissie to the Bay Journey
For Libby, participating in MS Brissie to the Bay went beyond cycling; it was about advocating for a meaningful cause. Initially, without a personal link to multiple sclerosis, she took part in the event through her employer, KPMG, where she led a corporate team to raise funds and awareness for MS Queensland. However, what began as a corporate endeavor soon evolved into something deeply significant for her.
Even after leaving KPMG, Libby remains firmly dedicated to aiding individuals living with neurological conditions. Her journey highlighted the impact of corporate social responsibility—not merely as a workplace initiative but as a way to foster real change. We spoke with Libby to learn about her experiences, the motivations behind her participation, and her ongoing passion for this vital cause.
What inspired you to take part in MS Brissie to the Bay last year?
The opportunity came up to participate in the Brissie to the Bay through my workplace, KPMG. I was co-lead of the Cycle Club in our Brisbane office and KPMG leadership actually had the idea and were super supportive of entering a corporate team.We ended up with over 20 riders participating and it was an incredible way to bring the firm together and get to know people in other teams that I wouldn’t normally work with.
As someone without a personal connection to MS, what drives you to support MS Queensland?
I was interested in supporting MS Queensland as the organisation was familiar to me after participating in the MS Readathon for many years when I was in primary school. I have learnt so much about neurological conditions and the work the MS Queensland team do since engaging with the organisation as an adult. Hearing the personal stories and seeing the stats around the impact of neuro conditions, and the work MS Queensland does to support people, motivates me to be involved and give back.How does it feel to know that your participation is directly impacting the lives of people living with neurological conditions?
Our corporate team focus was to raise funds as well as raise awareness about neurological conditions and the work MS Queensland do. I am inspired each time I engage with the team and hear about the meaningful day-to-day support provided by MS Queensland. The impact of raising funds is so tangible and it feels rewarding to know we’re supporting critical services.How did you rally your corporate team to set such a big fundraising goal of $10,000?
2024 was the first year KPMG Brisbane entered a corporate team and we built a lot of momentum, but we really focused on one small step at a time.Our team wanted to raise awareness about neurological conditions as much as we wanted to fundraise. We were committed to starting a meaningful connection and wanted to encourage buy in to the cause beyond getting out there in our lycra on event day.
What creative or successful fundraising strategies have you and your team used?
We picked two key fundraising events and an educational session and invited the whole Brisbane office along. The simple things turned out to be successful – it surprised me just how much office workers love a bake sale! We found keeping it simple and doing our best to reach far and wide across the firm worked best for us – it wasn’t about huge donations, it was about bringing our community together and getting support from lots of people.Our other main team fundraising strategy was hosting a State of Origin watch party. Our senior leadership were very supportive and put on food and drinks, and staff donated to MS Queensland to gain entry.
I think these fundraising activities were successful because they were accessible and reached out to our broader network. Our colleagues were happy to support the physical challenge we had set for ourselves and were grateful they didn’t have to don lycra in order to give back.
How has being part of a corporate team enhanced your experience in this event?
As a corporate team, we receive so much support from MS Queensland in getting set up with an online account, activating our team and community and getting to the start line. The team aspect fosters encouragement to each other and MS Queensland kept us excited so we really hit the start line very motivated. And, it’s a fun perk to be at the front of such a big pack on event day.
What have you learned about MS Queensland and the work they do in the community?
Honestly, I have learned so much about MS Queensland and the work they do in our communities. While it was an organisation I was familiar with, I didn’t realise how much they do to support Queenslanders. I learnt that not only does MS Queensland support people with MS, they support Queenslanders living with other neurological conditions. The logistical and emotional support the team provides through the NeuroAssist InfoLine, through Services provided at the Neuro Wellness Hubs and across the spectrum of health to support people with neurological conditions to live well is so kind and empowering.
What message would you share with other corporate teams considering joining the ride?
Go for it!! It is a fun and powerful way to meet new colleagues, challenge yourself physically and genuinely feel like you are making a difference. It is a simple process (not adding too much to your to do list, don’t worry!) and the MS Queensland team support you the whole way – it is amazing what a little effort from a team leader can snowball into.
The support for a corporate team comes from so many places. We were lucky enough last year to order custom red donuts from Donut King, a major sponsor of the event, on World MS Day. The red donuts were a great way to pique the interest of our colleagues and get them engaged with our cause and raise awareness about MS Queensland and neurological conditions.
How has this experience changed your perspective on the power of corporate social responsibility?
Entering a corporate team into the Brissie to the Bay was a meaningful way to see the impact of corporate contributions. KPMG is committed to supporting community action and creating positive change – however, sometimes it can feel like these are words that are thrown around on a vision statement when it comes to big companies. It was incredible to be on the ground and part of this meaningful volunteering opportunity and leverage the size and span of such a large firm to provide much needed funds to MS Queensland.
What would you say to other young women who may be unsure about taking on a cycling challenge like this?
Cycling and challenges like these may seem intimidating, but they are really lovely community events and a safe space to challenge yourself. The cycling community are really welcoming and there are a lot of women already in the pack who are keen for you to join and will support you.
Have you faced any personal challenges in preparing for the ride, and how have you overcome them?
I think like a lot of working people, I find it hard to fit training in when life gets busy. Between work, family and social commitments, sometimes I do hit snooze on the alarm in the morning. My colleagues in the KPMG cycle group, CycleWell, were great at keeping me accountable and made sure I was on the bike once a week.
How important is it for women to see more female riders in events like MS Brissie to the Bay?
For so long cycling has been seen as a sport for the MAMILs. But we are seeing a real change – so much progress has been made across many sports in bringing professional female athletes to the front and providing the support and recognition they deserve, such as the Tour de France Femmes which started in 2022.
It’s now our turn – you and me, everyday women, to get the opportunity to participate in riding events. It is such a fun, empowering, inspiring and meaningful day. Ladies, leave all that positivity to the men, I don’t think so.
After your experience, do you see yourself continuing to participate in future charity cycling events, if so, why?
I definitely see myself continuing to participate in charity cycling events. They are a way for me to connect with my community as well as meet new people. It is really rewarding to give back in a way that feels meaningful and aligns with my personal values.
I can’t wait to return to the Brissie to the Bay ride for many years to come.
Beyond the cool merchandise rewards when you reach attendance milestones, the day itself is so great. Each distance are great courses that are well marked. The start and finish location is so convenient and event village is a lovely spot for a post-ride beverage and donut. It is a lovely spot to celebrate with cycling mates as well as accessible for your family and friends to come along and join in on the good vibes.
