Take a stroll for freedom at Aged Care Plus walkathon
Take a stroll for freedom at Aged Care Plus walkathon
4 August 2016
The annual Aged Care Plus walkathon is on again later this month, raising funds for the fight against modern slavery.
Employees, residents and supporters of The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus will be hitting the streets from 28 August to 3 September to help raise awareness and funds for The Freedom Partnership, the Army’s national initiative to end modern slavery.
The walkathon has raised more than $430,000 since 2009, with funds being distributed to The Salvation Army’s work with the homeless, drought relief and disadvantaged children, to various Army missions in Africa, Asia and indigenous communities here in Australia.
Last year, the walkathon contributed $80,000 to The Freedom Partnership, and Aged Care Plus has decided to continue this support. Recent figures show more than 4300 people are living in slavery in Australia, with more than 45.8 million people in servitude worldwide.
The Freedom Partnership sets out to create a voice for those marginalised by slavery, by educating Australians on the issue and working alongside projects through prevention, rescue and restoration. It supports victims through the Australian Freedom Fund, which makes resources such as shelter, transport, food, legal and emergency medical care available to those in crisis.
The funds raised from the 2015 walkathon have had a significant impact on those who have been freed from slavery in Australia. Some examples of how the funds raised are positively impacting the lives of those who were once in servitude include:
• A male domestic worker who was held against his will was freed from slavery. The Australian Freedom Fund facilitated a safe exit by paying for emergency accommodation and food while referrals to legal and law enforcement were made.
• A woman who had been separated from her daughter for four years experienced the joy of being reunited with her in Australia. The fund alleviated the burden of airfares and resettlement costs that amounted to over $3000.
• The funds assisted a victim of trafficking to relocate from overseas to Australia for her safety.
Support The Freedom Partnership to end modern slavery in Australia by donating or participating in the 2016 walkathon.
For more information and to find out how you can get involved, go to agedcareplus. salvos.org.au/walkathon-2016. You can also create your own fundraising profile through the Everyday Hero Walkathon page.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.