A virtual trek will support Aussie veterans facing financial hardship, while encouraging families in lockdown to get outside and be active.
Bravery Trek will also commemorate the service and sacrifice of members of the Royal Australian Air Force in its centenary year.
Bravery Trek is one of the largest annual events of national military charity Bravery Trust.
“As a charity organisation, fundraising is important and we do rely on donations to meet the growing need for our services,” Bravery Trust Chief Executive Officer Belinda Wilson said.
“But Bravery Trek achieves so much more than that – it helps us to spread the word about our services, to reach out to veterans needing help, and to raise awareness amongst those who may be in a position to refer us to someone in need.
“This year we are inviting schools to join the trek; the message may reach someone who needs our support within a school community; or someone who can refer a friend.”
There is no cost to register for Bravery Trek, and anyone who wants to complete the trek without sponsorship is encouraged to join the fun.
“For those in a position to seek sponsorship from family and friends, Bravery Trek provides an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of current and ex-serving member of the Defence Force who are facing financial hardship and are impacted by injury or illness sustained during service,” Ms Wilson said.
“Generous support from Leidos and Accenture to assist with set-up costs, means that every dollar raised during Bravery Trek will go directly to veterans in need. Your support can have a long-lasting impact. $75 provides fuel vouchers for medical appointments. $150 fills a fridge with fresh food for a week.”
The 2021 theme is 100km for 100 years of Air Force.
“100km might sounds like a lot, but trekkers can run, walk, swim, cycle or a combination of all, and you have 7 weeks to complete the challenge,” Ms Wilson said.
Registrations will open October 1 at braverytrek.com.au. The challenge is to complete 100km in 50 days from October 16 and concludes December 4.
Injured or ill veterans and families in financial hardship can call Bravery Trust on 1800 BRAVERY (1800 272 837).
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Funds raised by Bravery Trek will help Aussie veterans like Jarrod and his wife Amanda, who reached out to Bravery Trust for help and have been empowered to a brighter future. Here is their story:
Like many, COVID has completely changed Amanda and Jarrod’s livelihoods.
Jarrod spent 20 years in the Navy, including overseas deployment. After transitioning, both Jarrod and his wife Amanda had found new employment and were financially stable – but COVID changed that.
Amanda and Jarrod were worried about the impact on their children, and the financial stress was taking a toll on Jarrod’s mental health.
Initially reluctant to reach out for help, taking the first step was the hardest.
“When we called Bravery Trust we immediately felt like they understood us. The help we received not only improved our financial situation, but also our mental health,” Amanda said.
“The warmth and compassion Bravery Trust showed us made our lives so much easier. They were always at the end of the phone line when I needed and worked tirelessly to find a way to help us.”
When Amanda and Jarrod contacted Bravery Trust, they were facing eviction.
Bravery Trust provides emergency support, financial counselling and advocates on behalf of veterans with banks, debtors and landlords. Bravery Trust managed Jarrod and Amanda’s rental arrears and water bills; and continues to provide them with guidance and support as they move to a new rental.
Amanda said Bravery Trust financial counsellors were able to provide them with the confidence and skills to navigate their finances and kickstart a new, brighter future.
Bravery Trust changes lives by ensuring that injured veterans and their families do not suffer financially as a consequence of their service and are provided with immediate assistance in their time of need.
Bravery Trust is a not-for-profit charity organisation endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
