Kopkoda Campaign 2018
This year, I have been given the opportunity to participate in the Kopkoda 2018 Project by walking the Kokoda Trail in Papa New Guinea from June 22 - July 2, alongside members of Victoria Police and Youth from the North-West Metropolitan Melbourne region.
The Kopkoda program is run by Victoria Police, with assistance and donations from local businesses and sponsors, and was founded in 2006 as a result of ongoing disengaged youth problems in the region. The aim of the program is to improve relationships between the youth, Victoria Police and the wider community through the leadership and mentoring the program offers, which is an overall period of 6 months and entails training for the trek, travelling to PNG, then completing the 96km trek over 8 days.
I see my involvement in this program as the next step in my development, both personally and professionally, but also as a way to give back to the community. This will be the first time I will be participating in a largely run community program, and it is something I want to continue doing into my future.
Matthews Steer prides itself on being involved with this program, and as a business, has been assisting in sponsoring staff and youth to complete the trek for over 10 years. Since commencing my career here and listening to the stories of colleagues who have previously engaged in the program, the Kokoda Trail trek has been on my bucket list of things to do after the completion of my studies. I believe it will be a one of a kind and life changing experience for myself and all involved as we connect with people from all walks of life, but also to be able to learn about the history of Kokoda and WW2.
Between now and June, I will be providing updates of our journey through this page, where I really hope that you can all follow along.
The overall experience of participating will be a great challenge to myself, mentally and physically, but it is something I really look forward to completing. As part of this overall challenge, my aim is to raise $6,000 to sponsor a youth to attend the trek and walk with me. With your help, I can make this possible. Every donation counts, no matter how small or large, and I would greatly appreciate if you could forego a daily coffee and help me.
I appreciate you taking the time to read why I’m so committed to this, and I also appreciate your donations to help make this journey happen – Watch this space!
*Please Note: Should I exceed the $6,000 required to sponsor a youth to trek Kokoda alongside me, I kindly ask that people continue donating, as any amount over my goal will be donated to Endometrioisis Australia. https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/
