Interview
Purpose Powered Pioneer – Annie Crawford
Few people can say they’ve founded a non-profit that raises millions while creating a community that helps supporters achieve extraordinary physical challenges. Annie Crawford is one of those rare individuals.
As the founder of CanToo, a high-profile Australian charity running for nearly two decades, Annie has revolutionised fundraising for cancer research. CanToo organises physical challenges like ocean swims and half marathons, where participants receive months of professional coaching in exchange for fundraising commitments.
As a result, more than 20,000 people to date have achieved impressive physical challenges, and more than AUD$33 million has been raised to fund cancer research.
Aside from CanToo, Annie’s had some fascinating career experience including helping to build a very successful Biotech startup in San Francisco.
In this episode you’ll hear how:
- How a Kombi van trip around Europe with her parents and 6 siblings impacted Annie’s world view (can you imagine 9 people in a Kombi van?!)
- How Annie places values at the heart of what she does and how she built CanToo
- Her ingredients for building a sustainable and successful organisation, and
- How Annie learnt to overcome an almost paralysing fear of public speaking
Annie is a very down to earth and modest person and you can tell that her life and priorities have been shaped by family tragedy. With CanToo she’s built an incredible and fitting legacy.
Enjoy this episode with the inspiring and values-driven Annie Crawford.
Useful Links
CanToo website – check out their latest physical challenges
