Who We Are
YGAP is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation aiming to create tangible social change, both locally and abroad. Our primary purpose is to empower communities disadvantaged by poverty to be self-sustainable. To achieve this, YGAP aims to inspire volunteers through innovative and creative fundraising projects.
Point of Difference.
YGAP’s point of difference as an organisation is our focus on social enterprising as a source of revenue. YGAP Enterprise (a subset of YGAP) is a collective of Australian emerging entrepreneurs bound together by a vision of addressing the needs of people less fortunate. Within the organisation, entrepreneurs are exploring market-based solutions to poverty challenges, including access to an education, health care services, and community welfare support. Our social business success can be seen through YGAP’s Kinfolk café.
Mission Statement
Inspire volunteers through innovative and creative fundraising projects, attracting individual & corporate support.
Vision Statement
Empower communities disadvantaged by poverty to be self-sustainable.
Objectives.
- Inspire networks of outstanding individuals & organisations to empower communities disadvantaged by poverty
- Be innovate and creative in our fundraising strategies
- Be largely funded through social enterprise activities within 5 years
- Enrich the volunteer experience and be the charity of choice for y-generation
- Encourage skills, resources, and new ideas to maximise and enjoy our achievements
Our History
The journey of YGAP started out like any good story – through a series of conversations! After reading the compelling book written by David Batstone (Not for Sale) which documents the affects human trafficking places on children of our generation, Elliot Costello initiated a conversation with Alby Tomassi, Louise Atkins, Scott Duncan, which led to conversations with Elena Critchley, Tim Smith and so on.
The conversation was based on the idea of going one step further to support vulnerable members of our generation. Appreciating the range of vocational skills and experience this group had – a decision was made to sacrifice their own time and their own funds to volunteer in Africa……the next decision was where? And with which organisation?
After spending considerable time researching volunteer organisations which work in such a capacity, this committed group of individuals were slightly disheartened by the exorbitant costs attached with international volunteer missions……This is where the idea of YGAP was born!
YGAP was formed as an international volunteer organisation which offers young skilled working professionals the opportunity to volunteer their skills (locally and internationally) without paying any administrational fees. All costs of volunteer trips are personally absorbed by our volunteers who elect to be the change they want to see!
Our Founding Legend’s (Members)
- Elliot Costello
- Alby Tomassi
- Elena Critchley
- Lou Atkins
- Scott Duncan
- Ava Duncan
- Clint Misamore
- Tim Smith
- Lucy McNicol
- Kate Green
Our Guru’s (Managers)
- Elliot Costello: Co-Founder & CEO
- Elena Critchley: Co-Founder & Events Manager
- Kylie Wallace: Operations Manager
- Tom Mort: Business Manager
- Jess Light: Projects Manager
Our Know’all’s (Advisory Board)
- Chris Judd: Captain, Carlton Football Club
- Tim Costello: CEO, World Vision Australia
- Simon McKeon: Executive Chairman, Macquarie Group
- Howard Critchley: Managing Director, CEVA Logistics
- Murray Beid: Senior Partner, Moores Legal
- Gordon Duncan: Managing Director, Linen House
- Chris Buchanan: Former CEO, Bettina Liano
- Jason Hornibrook: General Manager, Knew Media
