Industry professionals dug deep at the eighth McLardy McShane Reach Christmas Lunch in Melbourne last week, raising more than $105,000 for the Reach Foundation.

The brokerage has raised more than $900,000 for the Reach Foundation since its first Christmas lunch in 2009. The foundation helps about 40,000 young Australians each year.

More than half the sum raised at last week’s event went to Reach’s Fused program, comprising five workshops designed for participants aged 13-17 to make connections and increase self-awareness and resilience. The workshop costs $1250 per participant.

A swift whip-around organised by Don McLardy saw $18,550 raised by donations from Sally Stewart (Stewart Insurance Group); Ben Gair (Australian General Insurance Services); NTI; QBE; Warren Mills (Sports Underwriting Australia); Rob Funnell (Allianz); Bernie Dunn (Premier Funding); Phil Arrowsmith (Arrowsmith & Petruccelli); and McLardy McShane.

This year’s speakers included Western Bulldogs player Marcus Bontempelli, actor Samuel Johnson, motivational speaker Beau Vernon and comedian Lawrence Mooney.