Frequently Asked Questions
EVENT Questions
Can I make a donation by Direct Bank Transfer?
Absolutely!
Please find our bank details listed below:
Account Name: P4T Inc
BSB: 633000
Account Number: 152097234
When making a donation via direct transfer, please email us at admin@pingpongathon.com so that we can issue you with a tax-deductible receipt and apply your donation to the relevant fundraising profile (if required)
Note: Ping Pong-A-Thon is registered as P4T Inc and all receipts are issued as P4T Inc.
How Do I Host A Pong Event?
A Ping Pong-A-Thon venue is typically established by a passionate, organised individual who has the backing of a community group (e.g. church, sporting club, workplace, school/university) who are willing to host and promote the event. Pong venues have been started by a range of people (our youngest organiser was 13 years of age). Pong HQ provides event organisers with a wide range of resources (including an event organiser manual, print promo material & media engagement resources) and support/advice throughout the campaign.
Use our General Info PDF to help your communities leadership team explore how The Pong will work in your context.
Click on the HOST AN EVENT button to register a Pong event in your community.
If you need further information, please get in touch with the Team at PONG HQ.
Do All Pong Events Go For 24 Hours?
Most Pong events run for 24 hours. There is something about keeping the table tennis going for a full day and night that is challenging or inspiring for many communities and those donating to support the efforts of those participating.
However, the length of the event is flexible and is usually determined by the capacity of your community and/or event organiser. A shorter event (a Mini Pong) typically runs for a minimum of three hours, but any length event is possible. A three-hour event is often the style of Pong event chosen by workplaces who may run an end of work week event on a Friday afternoon/evening or a school who is brand new to The Pong who might run an event for the length of one school day.
PLAYER Questions
If I Sign Up to Play, What Am I Committing To?
1. REGISTER ONLINE – Please invite your friends/family members to join you. You’ll be asked to choose your preferred venue and playing time, (minimum commitment at most events is a one x three-hour playing timeslot) and your personal fundraising webpage will be created!
2. GATHER SPONSORS – Ask your family, friends, work colleagues or school mates to sponsor/donate. We make this really easy for you. The Participant Fundraising Guide on the dashboard of your personal fundraising page has tips & resources to aid your fundraising efforts.
3. PLAY SOME PING PONG – Turn up on the day at your event venue, have heaps of fun, make some mates and be a part of changing the lives of some of the world’s most exploited young people!
How do I sign up?
Signing up is nice and easy. You just need to be at least 18 years old. Click on the "Sign up" button and fill our your name, email, choose a fundraising goal and upload a pic of you! We'll then log you into your fundraising dashboard to start your campaign.
Can I form a team?
You sure can! A team is a great way to fundraise with friends and family. Create a team when you sign up, or afterwards from your fundraising dashboard.
How do I get into my account?
Can’t log in? No good! It’s easy to reset your password though. Just head to the login page and click "Forgot your password?". It'll send you an email, then you'll be on your way. If you didn’t receive the email make sure you check your junk or spam folder. It might take a few minutes to arrive.
Someone gave me cash, what do I do?
Don’t worry, it often happens. Just get in touch with us and we’ll help you bank that, and make sure it shows on your fundraising page.
Can I share my fundraising page with my family?
Absolutely! You can create a fundraising page for your whole family if you like. Or, if you each want your own page then you can form a team and we'll tally your fundraising together.
What if I want to cancel my page?
Absolutely! You can create a fundraising page for your whole family if you like. Or, if you each want your own page then you can form a team and we'll tally your fundraising together.
Fundraising Questions
Are Donations Tax Deductible?
Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia and in the USA.
How do I receive donations?
If it's your first time fundraising, asking for donations can be daunting. But don't be scared, friends and family want to support you! Just explain what you're doing and why you're doing it, then ask. If you don't get any donations the first time, you can always ask again later.
How do I convince people to donate?
When you’re talking about why you are fundraising, make sure you speak personally. People are chipping in, because this cause is important to you. Tell a personal story about why you've taken this incredible step to fundraise for us.
How do I donate to myself?
Donating to yourself is a great way to get started. It'll show donors that you’re commited, and you’ve broken the ice by going first. In your dashboard just click “Sponsor myself” to chip in to your campaign.
What are my fundraising badges?
Badges are how we recognise you for being awesome! You'll be awarded them automatically, and all your donors can see what an impact you are making!
Other Questions
When Does The Pong Campaign Run?
The Pong takes place year-round (though most communities participate in October) with marathon-style table tennis events in cities throughout Australia and the USA.
Most events happen on a Friday afternoon/evening through to a Saturday afternoon/evening. School events typically run during the day on a Friday or start from end of school on a Friday and then into the weekend. Workplaces typically run an event on a Friday afternoon/evening. It is possible to run the event mid-week.
If you'd like to be involved, but the above is not an option, please get in touch to explore other options.
How Did The Pong Start?
In January 2010, Pong Founder Adrian Rowse spent two weeks in Thailand seeing firsthand the horrendous injustice associated with the trafficking and exploitation of children and teenagers. He returned to Australia feeling totally overwhelmed by the vastness of the problem but knowing that he had to do ‘something’ in response.
The first Ping Pong-A-Thon event ran in November 2011. It was only intended to be a one-off event. Fifteen Australian men raised $10,000 and the event was a raging success with participants engaging family and friends on both a fundraising and awareness level and experiencing a powerful sense of community. These outcomes were the catalyst for the event to be repeated and grow in the ensuing years.
How can I get in touch with you?
Get in touch directly via email to admin@pingpongathon.com or find us via our social media Facebook or Instagram
How are The Pong's Partner Organisations Chosen?
Each organisation receiving funding through The Pong has undergone an extensive application process. Each has been personally visited by a member of the Ping Pong-A-Thon team. Funding recipient partners are required to report on use of funds bi-annually and will receive an annual visit from a member of the Ping Pong-A-Thon team. Ping Pong-A-Thon are committed to building relationship with their partner organisations, providing support, consultative services and other practical support in addition to funding of projects.
Important Policies/Terms & Conditions of Participation
Our 2025 Partners
Ping Pong-A-Thon is registered as P4T Inc and all receipts are issued as P4T Inc.
The Pong has a zero tolerance for all forms of violence and abuse at Pong events. We are always committed to fulfilling our obligations to the extent possible, particularly with regard to the prevention of child abuse. To view our Code of Conduct please visit our FAQs page.