Hunter business people have an opportunity to trek Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain next year in support of Compass Housing’s Grow a Star Program.
Forsythes Advisors Partner, Kellie Wright, is the fifth participant to sign up to trek, which will raise funds for the scholarship and mentoring program for young Hunter social housing tenants and others experiencing financial disadvantage.
The program helps young people realise their academic, sporting, and/or artistic dreams.
Kellie is using the opportunity to challenge herself, to step outside her comfort zone, while giving back to a good cause.
The business owner and mother said the trek will give her an opportunity to take time out for herself, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
“I have two teenage boys who are lucky enough to be able to chase their sporting and academic dreams,” Kellie said.
“Not all children are able to do that, and the Grow a Star program gives them opportunities they may not otherwise get.
“Variety is a basic human need and sometimes we forget get so caught up in our work and home life that we lose any variety in our lives.”
The inaugural fundraising trek will be led by Compass’ Events and Community Relations Manager, Michelle Faithfull, in conjunction with experienced fundraising trek company, Inspired Adventures.
Michelle said it is great to see Kellie taking up the challenge, especially given that it is her first trek.
“We will be trekking a variety of trails around the Cradle Mountain Village area,” Michelle said.
“I’ve done these walks before, and they’re absolutely stunning. We’ll do, easy, short exploration walks, day-long hikes, and a couple of steep climbs up to beautiful lookouts.”
Michelle said more than three million Australians are living in poverty, including one in six children.
“Poverty can seem insurmountable, but sometimes, all that kids with talent need is a chance to break the cycle of disadvantage,” she said.
“Grow a Star helps young people to overcome the financial or generational obstacles that are preventing them from being a star.
“We remove barriers by funding things such as specialist lessons or coaching, equipment or clothing, sports club registration and representative fees, some travel expenses, excursions, elective school subjects, music or dance lessons, or musical instruments.”
Michelle is calling on other business leaders or teams to take part in the trek. She hopes to raise a minimum of $20,000.
“These treks are life-changing and I can guarantee Kellie and other participants will come away with a whole new perspective on life,” Michelle concluded.
The five-day trek will run from February 2 to 6, 2022. The travel cost is $2,999 which includes meals, accommodation, a local guide, and national park fees. There is a $3,000 fundraising requirement per participant.
People can sign up to the trek via Inspired Adventures website.
IMAGE | Compass Housing’s Events and Community Relations Manager, Michelle Faithfull and Forsythes Advisors Partner, Kellie Wright (left-right).
