Like many Australians, financially supporting various international and domestic charities has been an important aspect of Jo Syke’s adult life.

Running a successful boutique interior design practice for over a decade allowed Jo to support many initiatives, but it wasn’t until a trip to Uganda in 2010 that Jo’s eyes were truly opened to the inequality in the world.

Witnessing the tangible needs of fellow human beings, Jo experienced a compulsion to do something to help that didn’t involve just sending financial aid but to make true human connections that bring hope as well as assistance.

“Little people doing little things that make a big difference.” read more about Jo

Steve is best described as a “people person” and his true happiness has always been found in watching others grow and helping them on their journey.

Steve has been in the finance industry all his working life and he has owned and operated vendor equipment finance company, SE Rentals, for the past 23 years. Steve’s company reflects his own personal credo, i.e. that it is never about you – it is always about others. SER is now the largest independent player in its space in Australia – no surprise that its greatest strengths are its people and culture.

For Steve, his eyes were opened wide on a visit to Uganda in 2010. Steve couldn’t forget the suffering, pain and unfairness of life for many in Uganda and immediately Steve and his wife Jo started offering support.

Steve brings a wealth of business experience, a loving and giving heart, the ability to develop people around him and most of all, a willingness and desire to get involved

Robyn always had an interest in Africa and wanted to make a difference without really knowing how.

Robyn started by sponsoring kids in different parts of Africa and then was offered a trip to Uganda by SER rentals in recognition of her long service.

To say it opened Robyn’s eyes to a different world is an understatement. She could not believe that in the 21st Century people live in such dire conditions without fresh water and food – the things we take for granted. However, Robyn noted what they did have – a very strong family, community connections and faith.

Robyn has now been to Uganda twice and loves going back to see all the people ChanCes have supported. “I love being a part of ChanCes and making a difference; it’s certainly given me a different perspective on life and what is really important”


A Catholic priest currently a parish priest of St. Kevin’s Eastwood parish. Fr Martin has visited Uganda and taken part in formal Ugandan Catholic Church ceremonies with parishioners and clergy.

With a strong sense of Christian social justice, Fr Martin’s experience in fundraising and awareness-raising is appreciated by the board, and ultimately by those in Uganda.

Vanessa has a passion for people and their collective, individual and cultural similarities and differences.

She graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Psychology with a focus on Anthropology and is now an Enterprise Risk Analyst within the financial services industry. At the midpoint of her degree, she accompanied her parents on a trip to Uganda where her perspective of the world, future ambitions, and equality were changed forever. Vanessa has volunteered with many charitable organisations over the years, however having visited Uganda numerous times through ChanCes, the people they help and Uganda itself have left an imprint on her heart she cannot ignore.

Vanessa brings with her an understanding of cultural relativism, a youthful perspective, practical experience, and risk knowledge.

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Computer Science and Pure Maths, and has spent many years in the banking sector.

Having spent time during her childhood in Papua New Guinea, Jennifer brings to the table a unique understanding and empathy of indigenous communities facing adversity. Jennifer’s genuine passion to help and be involved makes her an integral part of the day-to-day function of ChanCes Charity.