Driving Youth Potential: Symons Group Backs Rotary’s RYPEN 2025
At Symons Group, we’re passionate about helping young people find their path — and sometimes, that means giving them a literal lift.
Recently, our team was proud to support the Rotary Program of Enrichment (RYPEN) 2025, a three-day leadership and development camp for students aged 15 to 17. Held across Mangaweka and the Waiouru region, RYPEN offers life-changing experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills for youth who might not otherwise have such opportunities.
Our support came in the form of a Symons Group bus — and a very dedicated driver. Long-time team member and active Rotarian Des Friedrich volunteered his time to drive the bus, ensuring all 42 student attendees and 15 supervisors travelled safely to and from the event. Des not only represented Symons Group with professionalism and care, but also embodied the Rotary spirit of service above self.
The RYPEN coordinators described Des as a “Rotary legend” and expressed heartfelt appreciation for his commitment and the safe, reliable service he provided.
“All of our communities benefit from this kind of investment in our young people,” wrote Wayne Gordon, RYPEN 2025 Coordinating Group and District Governor (2023–2024).
For us, supporting community initiatives like RYPEN is part of what keeps Symons Group moving forward. Investing in youth means investing in the future — and we’re proud to have team members like Des who live those values every day.
