When he joined EidosMedia in Sydney as managing director, Lodovico de Briganti signed up for the Smith Family Challenge as a great way of supporting local causes and getting to know people.

Now de Briganti – whose industry career included time with press maker manroland – is looking down the prospect of his eleventh consecutive challenge.

“This year also marks a very special milestone as Captain Lennie and myself will be competing for the tenth time together in the Blood & Bone team, by far the longest partnership of the event,” he tells us.

The annual fundraising event has contributed more than $12 million to the Smith Family's Learning for Life programme since it started in 2008.

“My team and I will hike, ride, paddle and navigate in an exhilarating 100km off-road adventure held over two days around Glenworth Valley,” he says. “We'll be trekking through the bush, paddling along rivers, riding up mountains and everywhere in between… plus a few wrong turns and some river crossings, I’m sure.” 

In 2023, the event aims to raise $1 million, with each team raising at least $40,000. “All Challengers meet their own event costs, so 100 per cent of donations go directly to helping children in need to get the most out of their education, so they can create better futures for themselves, and all donations are tax-deductible.

“Donations help supply things like schoolbooks, school bags, uniform and stationery, along with access to mentors and staff to help them keep up with their peers and go on to break the cycle of disadvantage, so please support me and this amazing charity by sponsoring my challenge through my fundraising page here.”

Pictured: Flashback to an earlier challenge