Wingman Conference Raises Over $100,000 in Eight Minutes to Combat Child Trafficking in the Philippines

Wingman hosted its highly anticipated annual conference in September, bringing together with 50 Australian businesses, including high-profile guest Tom Panos, alongside 350 Filipino staff members, to celebrate the year’s achievements and foster deeper cross-cultural connections.

The conference was held offering a chance to reflect on the company’s progress and strengthen team bonds. However, the event took on a profoundly meaningful dimension with the inclusion of Destiny Rescue, a charity dedicated to rescuing children from the horrors of child trafficking.

A Heartfelt Call to Action

Jonathan Bell, Founder of Wingman, personally invited Destiny Rescue to share their mission and impact. Matt, a representative from the charity, delivered an emotional presentation highlighting the grim reality of child trafficking in the Philippines—one of the fastest-growing illegal trades globally.

Matt shared a story involving a five-year-old Filipino girl exploited online by her uncle, with investigators uncovering that over 300 Australians had accessed her exploitation. The revelation left the audience of Australian business leaders visibly shaken and galvanized to take action.

Generosity in Action: Over $100,000 Raised in 8 Minutes.

Following Matt’s presentation, Victor Paz, a member of the Wingman community, took the initiative to donate $30,000 to Destiny Rescue. His generosity sparked a wave of support. Tom Panos led an impromptu eight-minute auction, resulting in over $100,000 in donations. These funds will rescue and rehabilitate more than 58 children from child trafficking and exploitation, with the cost to save one child set at $1,800. “Witnessing this incredible outpouring of generosity was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life,” said Jonathan Bell. “It’s a testament to the power of businesses coming together for a higher purpose.”

Looking Ahead: WALKTOAREC 2025 Initiative

Inspired by the conference’s impact, Wingman’s leadership team—Jonathan Bell, CEO Jonathan Rostron, and Director Nick Georges—has launched a new fundraising initiative called WALKTOAREC 2025. This 100-kilometre walk, scheduled ahead of the Australian Real Estate Conference (AREC), the country’s largest real estate event, aims to raise significant funds and awareness for Destiny Rescue’s life-changing work.

A Call for Continued Support

Wingman encourages business owners across Australia to join the fight against child trafficking by supporting Destiny Rescue. “The difference we can make collectively is profound,” said Jonathan Rostron. “We’re urging our network to step up and make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable children.”

For more information on how to get involved with WALKTOAREC 2025 or to support Destiny Rescue, visit Destiny Rescue’s website or contact Wingman directly.