- Trek for Kids Heroes are embarking on the emotional, physical and spiritual journey of the WWII Kokoda Trail from 16 - 25 April, concluding on Anzac Day
- Trek for Kids is an Act for Kids initiative that raises vital funds for abused and neglected children
- One child suffers physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect every 11 minutes, often by someone they know and trust
- Act for Kids encourages Australians to sponsor the Trek for Kids Heroes, every little bit helps and all proceeds go to little Aussie kids who have suffered abuse and neglect
Child abuse and neglect is one of Australia’s biggest and most misunderstood social problems. One child suffers physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect every 11 minutes, often by someone they know and trust.
For nine days this month (16—25 April), 27 courageous trekkers are going on a tough trek through the jungle in Papua New Guinea. The Kokoda Trek is part of Act for Kids ‘Trek for Kids’ initiative and raises vital funds for abused and neglected children, to give them a second chance at childhood.
The Trek for Kids Heroes are embarking on the emotional, physical and spiritual journey of the Kokoda Trek, which served as the backdrop for a ferocious battle in 1942. The battle in what was then the Australian Territory of Papua, saw The Australian Diggers and Papuan Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels stand shoulder to shoulder to face the might of the Japanese Imperial Army.
Act for Kids CEO, Dr Neil Carrington says, “This year, I’ll be joining the team and we’ll be walking in the footsteps of Australian troops. As the Trek concludes on Anzac Day, our team of Trek for Kids Heroes will have the privilege of taking part in the Dawn Service to honour the history of Kokoda.”
Neil’s father and uncle both fought for Australia on the Kokoda Trail campaign and with Neil’s father passing away recently, it makes this journey all the more poignant for him.
“The Kokoda Trek is close to my heart with my father and uncle both serving for Australia on the Kokoda Trail and I’m honoured that it’s a part of our Act for Kids fundraiser.
“By taking on this momentous challenge, the trekkers are showing just how determined they are to promote the important work we do, and they will help us continue providing the best possible support for children and young people suffering from abuse and neglect,” Dr Carrington said.
The Trek for Kids initiative offers lifetime adventures that raise funds to provide free therapy and support services to children and families who have experienced or are at risk of child abuse and neglect.
The 27 trekkers have already raised over $208,000 in funds, which is enough to provide over 2,000 hours of therapy or support 173 children on their journey to overcoming abuse and neglect. With less than two weeks to go until they embark on this once in a lifetime journey, the trekkers are well on their way to their goal of $306,000.
Act for Kids encourages Australians to get behind the trekkers by visiting http://www.trekforkids.com.au/kokoda-trek and sponsoring the Trek Heroes. Every little bit helps and all proceeds go to little Aussie kids who have suffered abuse and neglect.
