Darrell Leemhuis of A&P Leemhuis Builders and Genevieve Jacobs, CEO of Hands Across Canberra. Photos: Screencraft.
When Darrell Leemhuis and A&P Leemhuis Builders and Asset Construction get moving on something, it’s pedal to the metal.
The long-established building industry family raised more than $179,000 for Hands Across Canberra and the charities they work with at a Gatsby-themed gala, Gears 4 Giving, chaired by fellow car enthusiast and actor Shane Jacobsen.
Around 250 guests walked the red carpet at the National Arboretum, posing for photos before vintage cars and signing up to support projects ranging from the Beryl Women’s Shelter to Pegasus Riding for the Disabled.
A splendid yellow 1935 Auburn and a 1923 Packard set the scene for rapid-fire giving as guests joined the charity chase to support multiple local causes through Hands Across Canberra, the ACT’s community foundation.
Principal Darrell Leemhuis and his father, Peter, are behind the biannual event. Darrell says the family’s success has been grounded in the Canberra community, and that’s where he wants the money to go.
The event’s fundraising model is slightly unusual – the company meets all costs so, as Darrell says, “every cent you donate goes straight to local charities”.
It’s a good fit for Hands Across Canberra’s focus on giving where you live and supporting local needs first. Usually, about 85 per cent of charity giving in the ACT goes elsewhere, a situation Darrell says he is determined to change.
“We’ve built our family business over generations in Canberra and when we started having some success. This is where we wanted to help,” he says.
“I like bricks and mortar projects, things I can see with my own eyes in my hometown.”
Eleven charities received direct funding on the night, including the ACT Down Syndrome Association, Bosom Buddies, Home in Queanbeyan, Roundabout, Givit, Abilities Unlimited, Tender Funerals, the Rainbow Paws program and Dementia Australia.
In addition, Darrell announced that A&P Leemhuis would construct the next charity house for Hands Across Canberra in Whitlam. The build is scheduled to commence early in 2025 and will fund projects benefitting the victims and survivors of domestic and family violence.
“We are beyond excited to be commencing the next Hands Across Canberra charity house with Darrell and his crew,” Hands Across Canberra CEO Genevieve Jacobs said.
“Yes, we’re building a house – a lucky family will be moving into Whitlam with some gorgeous views across to the Brindabellas, a playground across the road and a brand new school. But we’ll also be investing in this city in the same way the Leemhuis family and the Canberra construction industry have done for generations.
“In the same way many builders run their successful family businesses, you build something with strong foundations. You dig deep, literally and metaphorically, invest for the long term and give where you live.”
Want to learn more – and give where you live? Visit Hands Across Canberra.
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