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What is Pathfinders?
Download the brochure (PDF)Pathfinders is a committee based in the Qantas community which raises funds for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. Since its formation in 1967, it has raised almost $5.9 million and is one of the most successful fundraising committees in Australia.
It draws its members from across Qantas including cabin crew, ground staff, technical crew and former Qantas staff members and their families.
For further information, please visit www.qantas-pathfinders.com.au
What does Pathfinders do?
Pathfinders has a great emphasis on combining fun and fund-raising. Some of its major activities include the annual Qantas Jumbo Joy Flight for children with disabilities and disadvantaged children, the Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight
– each year to a different destination, the Splash for Cash swimathon, Trivia nights, the Pathfinders Revue – a live theatre production showcasing the wealth of talent from within Qantas ranks – and a major lottery which features fantastic prizes.
For details of all Pathfinders fundraising events go to the Pathfinders events page
The History of Pathfinders
From one man’s inspiration, many children have reaped benefits. In 1967, on a routine flight to Hawaii, Qantas Chief Steward Pat McGann OAM (pictured right with his wife, Maureen) read an article about a young Brisbane boy dying of leukaemia. He immediately “passed the hat” around his crew so they could buy toys for the boy during his final days. However, when they arrived home, the child had died.
That was when Pat decided to give the toys to the children at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC).
Pat was so impressed with the work of RIDBC that he formed an auxiliary which he named “Pathfinders” - after the famed squadron which dropped flares to “light the way”, for airborne assaults during World War II.
Today, Pathfinders’ members consist of Qantas Cabin Crew, Tech Crew, Ground Staff and ex-Qantas staff. They do almost anything that will raise money for the children at the RIDBC - Trivia Quiz nights, the Revue, Pathfinders Lottery, theatre nights and of course the Annual Jumbo Joy Flight for children with disabilities and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Over their history, Pathfinders have raised just under $5.5 million and have become one of the most successful fundraising auxiliaries in Australia. When Pat first started the group, they were a very social bunch. The same can be said today - all Pathfinders activities are based around “fun”. The Trivia Nights are known far and wide and the Revue is a “sell out”, each year. However, the Annual Jumbo Joy Flight is one event where your help is really appreciated - just seeing the delight on the faces of all those kids is a truly memorable experience.
With ongoing support from crew and staff, Pathfinders will continue their fundraising activities for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children. If you would like to join us, or would like details regarding Pathfinders, or upcoming events, please contact Kaye Bailey, Co-ordinator, Clubs and Auxiliaries, on (02) 9872 0329 email Kaye.Bailey@ridbc.org.au.
Join Pathfinders
With ongoing support from crew and staff, Pathfinders will continue their fund-raising activities for RIDBC. If you would like to join us, or would like details regarding Pathfinders, or upcoming events, please contact Kaye Bailey, Co-ordinator, Clubs and Auxiliaries, on:
tel:- (02) 9872 0329
email:- Kaye.Bailey@ridbc.org.au