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Steps Into Freedom: Real Estate Industry Raises $100,000 to Rescue Children from Trafficking

Destiny Rescue

Key Facts:

• The Walk to AREC, an annual 25-kilometre charity walk held on the Gold Coast ahead of the Australasian Real Estate Conference, has raised over $100,000 across its first three years in support of Destiny Rescue, an organisation combating child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
• Founded in 2024 by Jonny Bell and Jonathan Rostron of Wingman Group, the event sees real estate industry professionals walk from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and back before attending one of Australia's largest real estate conferences.
• Every dollar raised goes to Destiny Rescue, which was founded on the Sunshine Coast in 2001 and has rescued more than 26,000 survivors from exploitation across five regions of the world.
• The cause holds particular significance for Wingman Group, as many of the company's remote professionals are based in the Philippines, one of the primary regions where Destiny Rescue operates.
• Organisers are aiming to grow the event further, with ambitions to attract more agency participation and raise additional funds to help protect vulnerable children in the Philippines and beyond.

The annual Walk to AREC has passed a landmark milestone: three years, 25 kilometres, and more than $100,000 raised in support of international child rescue organisation Destiny Rescue.

Australia's real estate industry has proven it has more than market smarts. It has heart.

The Walk to AREC, held each year on the Friday before the Australasian Real Estate Conference, has officially surpassed $100,000 in cumulative fundraising across its first three years, with every dollar directed to Destiny Rescue, an organisation working on the front lines to pull children out of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

The event itself is no small feat. Participants walk 25 kilometres along the Gold Coast beachfront, from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh Heads and back, before heading into one of Australia's largest real estate conferences. It's a physical challenge with a purpose that reaches far beyond the finish line.

The 2026 walk took place ahead of AREC's 28th annual conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre last month.

Founded on purpose

Walk to AREC was founded in 2024 by Jonny Bell and Jonathan Rostron of Wingman Group, one of Australia and New Zealand's fastest-growing offshore support providers, trusted by more than 750 real estate agencies. Now in its third year, what began as an idea between two industry leaders has grown into a movement.

For Wingman, the cause is deeply personal. Many of the company's remote professionals are based in the Philippines, one of the primary regions where Destiny Rescue operates, creating a direct and meaningful connection between the funds raised and the communities Wingman's team calls home.

“We’re incredibly proud of what Walk to AREC has become and the impact it’s creating. Many of Wingman’s remote professionals are based in the Philippines, making this a cause that is close to our hearts. We’re grateful to everyone who has supported the initiative and will continue to partner with Destiny Rescue to help create a safer future for vulnerable children,” said Nick Georges, Head of Growth at Wingman,” said Nick Georges, Head of Growth at Wingman.

Where the money goes

Founded on the Sunshine Coast in 2001, Destiny Rescue has rescued more than 26,000 survivors from exploitation across five regions of the world and assisted in the arrest of numerous perpetrators. After a survivor is rescued, next steps are determined to meet her needs, reduce the vulnerabilities that led to exploitation and empower a life of freedom.

An industry showing up

The walk has attracted growing participation from agencies and professionals across the country, people choosing to put their steps, their voices, and their fundraising behind something that matters well beyond their industry.

"The Walk to AREC represented something far greater for our team than simply doing the steps. It was an opportunity to raise awareness, come together as a team, and rally support for a cause that may not directly impact all of us personally, but certainly impacts people within our wider community at Housemark," said Natalie South, CEO of Housemark.

FOUNDIT PROPERTY Co-Founder Angus Ferguson said the milestone reflects what the industry can achieve when it unites around something bigger than itself. 

"Turning our physical steps into tangible freedom for vulnerable children is some of the most important work our team will do all year. When this industry pulls together, we have the ability to save lives, and it was amazing to be a very small part of that! Looking forward to next year!"

What's next

With over $100,000 raised, the Wingman team have their sights set on making the event even bigger.

“Three years ago, this was just an idea. Today, it’s $100,000 raised, lives changed, and an industry that has shown what’s possible when we come together behind a cause that matters. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. Next year, we hope to see more agencies involved, more funds raised, and even more children in the Philippines given the opportunity to grow up safe and free,” said Jonathan Rostron, CEO of Wingman Group.

About us:

Destiny Rescue is a non-profit organisation with a mission to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free. Destiny Rescue has rescued 26,000+ survivors from exploitation in five regions around the world and assisted in the arrest of many perpetrators. After a survivor is rescued, next steps are determined to meet her needs, reduce the vulnerabilities that led to exploitation and empower a life of freedom. This process may include family reunification, entrusting her care to government agencies or enrolment in Destiny Rescue care.

Additional resources on Destiny Rescue's work are available on our website, including more about us, where we work and stories of rescue and freedom.

Contact details:

Millana Ayache | 0499 072 922 | [email protected]