By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
WINDERMERE is calling for support as its members prepare to embark on their annual trek through the Sumatran jungle later this year.
Eight months before people representing the Narre Warren organisation set out on the Trek to Transform Lives – which will run from 7 to 16 October – they have started fund-raising to reach their $3000 target.
And they are calling for anyone out there to help their cause.
It’s a cause for people like Carla, who with the help of Windermere Child and Family Services was able to save herself and her eight-year-old son from an abusive relationship.
“He beat me with a sledgehammer and left me to die on the kitchen floor in front of my eight year old son,” she said.
But even when she got out, more challenges lay ahead. Carla was forced to sell her home and if it weren’t for Windermere, she doesn’t know what would have happened.
Fortunately, the organisation was able to give Carla and her son access to temporary housing.
“There are many Australians out there suffering from neglect, abuse and the kinds of hardship that life sometimes throws at us,” Windermere CEO Lynette Buoy said.
“At Windermere, we aim to transform the lives of those who need it most but we need help.
“We’re thrilled to launch our Sumatran Trek to Transform Lives because while trekking through jungle won’t necessarily be easy, it is a small taste of the hardships that face the majority of people that we see at Windermere.”
With every kilometre completed on the trek, Dr Buoy said, participants will be helping to change lives.
“And we’ll be there to support them along the way because their challenge is our challenge,” she said.
For more information and to help the cause, visit www.windermere.org.au
