Money raised is for Soldier On (Defence Force veterans), Perth Bushfire Appeal (LMDRF), Children In Need India & Save the Children Throughout life, like most of us, I've been touched by the struggles of many family, friends, colleagues, neighbours etc. Struggles that span difficult subjects. Struggles that can be life sapping. Struggles often hidden from public view. Yet struggles that have also at times been eased by amazing, selfless support from charitable organisations far and wide. So starting 9th March 2021, I will be hiking / bush camping solo 1,005km over 7 weeks to raise funds to support 4 causes that have / continue to dominate many people. Please, I ask you all for your help. No matter how small, in donating whatever you can to help raise money for those who are less fortunate, yet selfishly supported by 4 amazing charities above. Please help. 1) Across my 35-year career I've been fortunate to work with and support numerous Defence Forces, especially Navy, Army and Air Forces. Defenders of Nations (women and men) who sacrifice much to protect the people and values of those Nations. This sacrifice at times has unintended consequences. In recent years, Mental Health and Well Being (Anxiety, Depression, Suicide etc.), Domestic Violence incidents and difficulties in transitioning / adapting to Civilian life have increased. Soldier On Founded 2012 – Supports >5,000 Defence Force veterans and their family members through Health and Wellbeing services, Employment Support, Learning and Education Programs, as well as Participation and Social Connection activities. Support that helps veterans and their families build resilience and create meaningful connections with family, community, and employers. https://soldieron.org.au/ 2) In recent years, the world knows the significantly increased Bushfires across Australia have had a dramatic impact across many facets of life for residents in Bushfire prone areas. February’s bushfire in Perth Western Australia (Wooroloo and Hills) fanned by some 70kph winds, was fought day and night by >500 career / volunteer firefighters and many aircraft over 6 days, burnt through 27,000 acres, had a fire perimeter of 140kms, destroyed 86 homes and vast domestic utility infrastructures whilst displacing many hundreds of people and animals. Amazingly only a handful of injuries and no deaths were recorded. The physical impact people face to rebuild their homes is massive. However, the mental impact people face to rebuild their lives, communities and their long-term wellbeing is immeasurable. The rebuilding and support needed will be measured in years. Affected residents and those that fought the fires need our help. Perth Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund (LMDRF) Wooroloo and Hills Bushfire Appeal - The LMDRF is Western Australia’s official State emergency fund. It directly provides donation financial assistance to individuals for the alleviation and relief of distress, suffering and personal hardships, brought about by the Wooroloo and Hills bushfires. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Wooroloo_bushfire#:~:text=It%20was%20confirmed%20that%2010%2C400,136%20km%20(85%20mi) 3) Across my long career, again I’ve been fortunate to work with many nationalities. Whilst all have great qualities, I have never been more humbled by those friends, colleagues, acquaintances from the Indian sub-continent, and the everyday plight that many people, especially Mothers and Children face just to survive desperate conditions in their homeland. Children In Need India Founded 1974 – Helps poor mothers and children in India break free from the inter-generational cycle of poverty, malnutrition, and ill health. Providing nurturing support at key stages in people’s lives: childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. Helping mothers lay the foundations for a happy and healthy future for their children. Support is given to those most in need: regardless of their religion, caste, or ethnicity. https://www.ciniaustralia.org/ 4) Children, being the future of the planet yet the most vulnerable of all, often fall below the poverty line. Even in Australia. So, to provide support to the future leaders and custodians of our planet, I have been a regular donor to Save The Children from an early age. Save The Children Founded 1919 – Simply put, supporting to build a better world for and with children. Working hard to protect children from harm and help them access quality education and health services. It is often the difference between life and death for a vulnerable child. Helping a child suffering from deadly hunger, a child caught in a brutal conflict, and a child living in fear of abuse. In Australia and in some of the toughest places in the world, your support will help children grow heathy and strong, ensuring they have a place in the classroom and protection from harm. https://www.savethechildren.org.au/