What's happening?

 

For many of you that know me, you will know I have had a long standing interest in the pursuit and promotion of social justice - before I found my love for promoting the betterment of health for all Australian's via my work with pharmacy accreditation I even got qualified as a Social Worker! However, I've also had full time work and a full on little person relying on me for these past few years which has meant letting my charitable commitments slide...until now!

 

I've found a way to raise awareness and much needed funds for Amnesty International Australia to assist them in their stance against those facing injustice and abuse, while at the same time challenging myself both physically and mentally. From 18-24 July, 2015 I am participating in the challenge of a lifetime and have committed to take part in Hike the Homelands 2015 Larapinta Trail Amnesty Challenge for Amnesty International Australia. The Challenge will involve five full, consecutive days trekking portions of the Larapinta Trail, including the ascent (and descent) of Mt Sonder - one of the Northern Territory's highest peaks. I will also have the opportunity to learn about and better understand the work that Amnesty does with the Indigenous communities that call the Larapinta home, whilst experiencing the diversity of Australian desert habitats by day, and sleeping under the stars by night.

 

So, where will your money go?

 

Protecting Indigenous Rights - Amnesty International is committed to ensuring the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is implemented locally and nationally through legislation, policies and programs, such as the Indigenous Youth Justice campaign launching in 2015 which will assist in addressing the systemic failures that have seen half the young people in detention being of ATSI descent, despite them only representing 5% of the young Australian population.

Supporting Individuals at Risk - Right now, thousands of individuals around the world are at risk of, or are experiencing, human rights violations. These people, who are just like you, face human rights abuses like discrimination, violence, imprisonment or even death.

Promote Equality for Refugees - Millions of people around the world have no choice but to flee their homeland to escape war, genocide, torture and persecution. Amnesty works to uphold the rights of people seeking asylum across the world.

Assist Countries in Crisis - Amnesty international responds immediately to human rights crises as they occur and works tirelessly to prevent situations reaching crisis point. Here in Australia our focus is on human rights in Asia Pacific - monitoring potential crisis situations and ensuring that our staff, supporters and the wider community are informed, engaged and ready to act.

Help Bring an End to Torture - Amnesty International is seeking the establishment and implementation of effective safeguards against torture as the route to change. When effective safeguards are in place, people are protected. When safeguards are not in place or not put into practice, torture thrives.

 

Please help me raise vital funds to hold warlords and dictators accountable, free prisoners of conscience, promote respect for Indigenous peoples and boldly, ambitiously defend human rights in every corner of the world.

 

Together we can make a difference!

 

(Full disclosure: I will feel wholly entitled to eat large amounts of cake and cheese upon my return).

 

Click on Donate Now to make a secure online donation. 

 

On behalf of the those helped through Amnesty's amazing work, thanks for your support!