Hey my name is Aaron McGrath

For my 30th birthday on the 6th of February, I’m taking on a personal challenge: running 30 kilometres to support the next stage of my career as an actor and writer, while also creating pathways for Indigenous youth in acting, film, and writing.

This fundraiser is about discipline, accountability, and backing the work — both in my own career and in the communities I care about.

Why This Matters

Acting and writing are built through consistency, training, and access. Like any profession, they require time to develop craft, opportunities to create original work, and the ability to focus without constant financial pressure.

This campaign is designed to create a focused runway for professional development, locally and internationally, while also reinvesting directly into community. I want to be part of strengthening a creative eco-system that supports the next generation of First Nations artists, storytellers, and performers, and helps create long-term, meaningful change.

But creative careers don’t exist in isolation. They grow through community, shared support, and people bringing each other up. A strong creative eco-system is one where opportunities are passed forward, knowledge is shared, and success creates space for others to follow.

How the Funds Will Be Used

International Industry Travel (USA & UK)

Short-term, career-focused travel to the United States and United Kingdom to meet with agents, managers, casting professionals, and industry contacts.

Funds will support:

* Return international flights

* Short-term accommodation

* Local transport and networking expenses

* Visas, travel insurance, and essential admin

These trips are strictly for professional meetings, training, and relationship-building.

Dialect Coaching

One-on-one dialect coaching to strengthen employability for international roles, including:

* General American

* Standard British

* International audition preparation

Acting Training

Professional acting training or intensives focused on:

* Screen acting

* Audition technique

* Career development for international markets

Writing Development

Writing courses and development focused on original work for screen or stage, including:

* Script development

* Story structure and pitching

* Writing for performance and film

Indigenous Youth Pathways (Acting, Film & Writing)

A portion of funds will be reinvested directly into community, supporting creative pathways for Indigenous youth through:

* Paid workshops and mentorships led by Indigenous artists

* Creative resources and learning tools

* Scholarships or participation support for young people pursuing acting, film, or writing

If the fundraiser exceeds what’s required to cover these costs, any remaining funds will also be donated toward Indigenous youth creative pathways.

Every contribution supports professional growth and community impact, helping build sustainable careers and stronger representation for Indigenous voices in the creative industries.

Thank you for backing the run, the craft, and the long game.