John Dingeldei, owner of Worldwide Online Printing in Malvern, didn't think just running 45km (more than a full marathon) along the Great Ocean Road was enough of a challenge - he wants to build a school too.

 

John took part in the Great Ocean Road International Marathon on the 18^th May and raised through sponsorship and community donations around $3,500 for CO ID - a non-profit, 'shoestring' charity that builds schools in Bangladesh for $6,500 each.

 

Although the race isn't traditionally a charity event, John said, "Originally, the only reason I was doing it was to see if I could. But that's pretty pointless, so I thought 'Why not do something for someone who could benefit from it?'"

 

Having trained up to 50km a week since Christmas, John completed the 45km race from Lorne to Apollo Bay in a very respectable 4 hours 58 minutes, making his actual marathon time (or time at 42km) 4 hours and 34 minutes.

 

John also has plans to hold a local 'Concert for Bangladesh' to raise the rest of the money needed to fund a school.

 

To help children on Bhola Island in the Ganges Delta have the opportunity Aussie kids take for granted, contact John at Worldwide Malvern on 9509 7514 to make a donation or visit www.fredhyde.org.

 

John and the team at Worldwide Online Printing in Malvern are also doing their part to support the local community - they're one of the sponsors of the Leader Achievement in Business Awards, which recognise excellence in local small business.

 

All members of the public can nominate a local business using the entry form available in this paper or at www.leaderawards.com.au. Nominations for Stonnington, Caulfield, Glen Eira and Port Phillip opened on 19 May and close on 13 June.

 

Attached Photo Caption: John Dingeldei of Worldwide Malvern after running 45km for charity.