Four members of the support centre for the franchise convenience store network NightOwl will swap their business suits for trekking gear as they compete in this yearÕs 5th Kokoda Challenge, to be held on the Gold Coast on 18 and 19 July 2009.

The group aims to conquer the 96km course through the Gold Coast Hinterland within a 39 hour time limit, while raising money for young Australians in need.

The team began its gruelling training program last year, comprising of individual tailored training programs to increase fitness levels.

NightOwl operations manager Daniel Zarew said he was excited to be taking part in this yearÕs challenge for the first time.

“Our team is not only doing it for their own personal achievement but also to raise funds for an extremely worthy cause,” Zarew said.

“NightOwl aims to raise over $5,000 to assist the Kokoda Challenge Youth Program (KCYP), a program developed to help young Australians who are at a crossroad and require an opportunity to realise their full potential.”

The NightOwl team comprises Zarew, franchise sales and development manager Joel Douglas, retail development manager Nick Lowien and store development coordinator Jay Golledge.

To make a donation go to www.kokodachallenge.com and select the NightOwl team. Everyone who donates online has a chance to win a trip for two to Papua New Guinea to walk the Kokoda Track.

Australian owned and operated, NightOwl and its franchisees employ more than 500 casual and full-time staff across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.