The BDJ team’s Sun Run challenge to shine a light on Parkinson’s disease

Monday, 9th February 2026

BDJ is a forward-thinking, full-service firm of qualified accountants, tax experts and financial services specialists that has been operating and growing in Sydney since 1976. Each year the team runs in the Sun Run and selects a worthy cause to fundraise for together. This year, a personal connection to Parkinson’s disease led them to Shake It Up, and they joined forces to raise vital awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. We spoke with Director Peter Davis all about this workplace initiative and what it means to their organisation.

What inspired the team to take part in the Sun Run?

This is our office’s third year running in the Sun Run. We have always found it to be a great way to socialise and keep fit with the team while providing a bit of fun and banter throughout the office in the lead up to the day.

What was the highlight of the day?

It’s always fun to hang out at the finish line and cheer on the runners – especially seeing the first timers as they cross the line and walk back with their medal and begin recounting their war story of their battle up the last Hill to Queenscliff! A post run swim never hurts either!

Why did you choose to raise funds for Shake It Up?

Each year we try to choose a charity that resonates with the group or a particular member of the team, as this gives us a positive purpose to the event. This year we wanted to raise money for a Parkinson’s related charity as one of our partners wives has been bravely navigating her Parkinson’s diagnosis with the love and support of her family over the past couple of years and we wanted to support them.

When researching various charities with this focus we discovered Shake It Up. Despite their many accolades and research projects, what resonated with us is behind their large impact is a small and dedicated team that ensures 100% of all donations go directly to Australian research to speed up a cure for Parkinson’s. This, we understand, is only possible as the directors cover their administration and other costs, demonstrating leadership and a focus on putting the cause first. This speaks volumes of the people behind the Foundation, and as such we were proud to raise funds for Shake It Up.

Our mission is to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s disease. What would this mean to you and the BDJ team?

Being such a prevalent and progressive disease, we understand Parkinson’s affects too many people and impacts them and their families over many years. The pressure and impact it has on a family unit in the face of all other difficulties life chooses to throw their way is too large. Anything we can do to help raise funds to slow, stop and hopefully one day cure the disease would have immeasurable benefits to the families of the world.

What is your advice for another workplace wanting to make a difference?

You will be surprised how much you get out of it, workplaces thrive on unity and common purpose. Making a difference through fundraising or donating time as a team will bring the team closer and it’s wonderful to see everyone rowing together in the same direction for an agreed upon positive cause. We wrote in our thank you note to the team that we were proud to work with such kind, supportive and selfless people in donating their time, money and enthusiasm to get behind Shake It Up this year. Give your team the opportunity to inspire you like our team inspires us