Damian's World of Difference progress comes to an end...

Well, my progress through the ranks of the Vodafone World of Difference for 2010 has ended in the top 25. I didn't get shortlisted to the top 10, however there were over 500 applications, so just being in the top 25 and spreading the word about Camp Quality was a great achievement.

Apparently, the top 10 applications had some very exciting and unique things that they wanted to do - I suspect my application was just a bit too general. I wish the top 10 all the best, and hope the top 5 go on to make a World of Difference for their chosen charities.

Thanks to everyone for their support - it was fun while it lasted. Here's my final video for the Vodafone World of Difference 2010.

Top 25 here I come!!!

I received a call today from Demelza from the Vodafone Foundation Australia. We had a good chat about my application, what I do with Camp Quality already etc, and at the end of the conversation, she advised me that I had made it into the top 25 shortlist...

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Apparently my video was a big hit in the office, giving them all a good laugh - which is the best medicine as we all know!!

Where to from here? Well... the top 25's written application, 2 page professional CV and video are submitted to the selection panel, who over the next couple of days will select the top 10 applicants, who will then be invited to come for an interview in the next week or so - in Sydney!!

I will be meeting with Brooke (Camp Quality South Queensland Area Manager) on Friday to discuss a whole bunch of things, and prepare for if I get the call-up into the top 10...

Fingers crossed!!

ps: Forgot to mention, my Youtube video has now had over 1100 views!!!!!

Starburst Camp Quality Colour Fight

With my own video about to pass the 1000 mark (quick gloat), I thought I would share with you a fabulous video from Starburst, who have donated the colour from their packets (plus $100000) to Camp Quality.

The ad features campers from down south, and would have been an absolute blast to make... so if you haven't seen it already, I highly recommend giving it a look-see!

Breaking news - I've made the top 50!!

This afternoon I received an email advising that I've been shortlisted into the top 50 applicants!!

Next step - submit my contact details and a 2 page CV, and hopefully make the top 25!!

Wish me luck!!

Video views pass the 900 mark and still growing!!

It's nice to know that even though applications have closed, my video is still receiving views on youtube... in the past few days, another 150 or so views have been made, taking the total past 900!!

I wonder if it will reach 1000 views, because that would be fabulous!

To kick it along, here's the video again!!


By the way, I will be swinging by the Camp Quality South Qld office today if anyone wants to catch up with me... probably around mid morning!

Applications close, and video views pass 750!!

Well, the application submission deadline has now passed, and the good people at the Vodafone Foundation Australia are no doubt reviewing submissions and putting together the shortlist of 10 applicants to be interviewed. I will find out if I am one of the lucky ones by next Friday (26/2/2010).

To say that I have been overwhelmed by the response to my video seems to be a gross understatement - I have received views from around the world, and comments via Facebook and email from campers, other companions, Camp Quality families, friends, relatives and total strangers, and I have been gobsmacked by the depth of emotion and the outpouring of support that I have received. Some of the comments have genuinely brought a tear to my eye - little did I know just how well loved and appreciated I am, and just what a world of difference I already bring to so many people through Camp Quality.

It sounds a little trite, but even if I don't get shortlisted, I know that I am already making a World of Difference for Camp Quality, and I will continue to do so in the future!

Video views reach 500!!!

Wow, what an incredible response I've had for my Vodafone World of Difference application video. I thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to view my video, vote on it, leave a comment, and especially those of you who have sent me messages of support - I feel humbled and amazed at the response!! My video is now the 13th most viewed video in Australia (in the Non-Profit category) for the past week! Incredible!!

In case you have been living under a rock and have no idea what I am referring to, here's a link to my video! Vodafone World of Difference 2010 - Damian's doing it for Camp Quality

In other news, Carmen, one of our Camp Quality parents has asked me to share her son Calen's journey with you. Calen has defied the odds, and is proof of the power of optimism and positive thinking. You can see Calen's story here: Calen's Journey

Applications close this week, so I'll keep you posted!