FMA Australia attaches considerable importance to its corporate social responsibilities. In 2005, the Board of Directors began FMA Australia's support of our national charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). FMA Australia is very pleased to support JDRF and to assist this very worthwhile organisation in financing research into a cure for Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

JDRF, the leading charitable fundraiser and advocate for a cure for Juvenile Diabetes research worldwide, was founded in 1970 by parents of children with Juvenile Diabetes – a disease which strikes suddenly, makes the sufferer insulin-dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.

Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $800 million in direct funding to diabetes research. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. To find out more about Juvenile Diabetes and JDRF, please visit www.jdrf.org.au.

FMA Australia also promotes the Walk to Cure Diabetes, JDRF's national annual fundraising event, and encourages it's members to join our national team in October each year in the walk to raise funds for Juvenile Diabetes research.

Youth Ambassadors for JDRF: Paul Nicol (8 yrs) and Hanna Frank (6 yrs) at the start of the Walk to Cure Diabetes held at Albert Park Lake, Melbourne in 2005. Hannah spoke to the Victoria Branch Members at their annual Golf Day about living with Juvenile Diabetes.

The Smith Family

The Smith Family is a national, independent, social enterprise which aims to support financially disadvantaged Australian children and families through education.

This charity offers a wide variety of much-needed services to the community, including scholarships, mentoring programs, early childhood health and development initiatives and opportunities for Indigenous Australians and migrants and refugees.

For further information about the Smith Family and opportunities to provide support, please visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au.

FMA Australia decided to extend our support of worthwhile charities to the Smith Family at ideaction 2007. Using proceeds from our Gala Dinner, held in conjunction with the national conference, FMA Australia was proud to present a $2,400 cheque to the Smith Family.