Tanglefeet, Smells Like Teen Spirit, The Runaways and Mumma Jammas could be names for rock bands, but instead these are just some of the teams taking part in this year’s Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne event from today.
They are rock stars though, all helping to raise more than $2.5 million to continue fighting poverty around the world.
Trailwalker ambassador and Tanglefeet team member, Jonathan Harper, said his team, comprised of past and present Telstra employees, had raised $75,000 for Oxfam over the years. They hope to boost that figure by $15,000 this year. “About half the money I raise is through fundraising chocolates – this year I will have sold over 12,000 bars,” Mr Harper said.
Mr Harper and his team members have taken part in 31 Oxfam Trailwalker events nationally between them.
“Personally, I find it very satisfying to be able to put something back into the community, both at home and abroad,” he said.
“Out there on the trail with our ambassador shirts people are always very supportive.”
One of Australia’s toughest endurance events, Oxfam Trailwalker challenges teams of four to complete a 100km walk in under 48hours.
Oxfam spokesperson Jez Hunghanfoo said this unique team event was Oxfam’s largest fundraiser, giving everyday Australians the opportunity to take on a physical and mental challenge like no other.
“Our teams put everything into the physical and fundraising aspects of this challenge and they help Oxfam to make a real difference in the world,” Mr Hunghanfoo said.
“Donations raised by Oxfam Trailwalker participants will be used by Oxfam to help fight poverty around the world, like the 600,000 people who call Mukuru in Kenya home. There the streets are strewn with plastic bags full of toxic human waste and black rivers of it are seeping through lanes next to tight rows of makeshift houses. Oxfam is installing amazing Fresh Life Toilets that not only protect the community from disease but also provide safe fertiliser for crops.”
The 13th annual Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne, from Friday 10 April to Sunday 12 April, has more than 2,800 participants. Teams will set off from Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley on Friday 10 April at 7.30am, 8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am. You can view trail maps and further event details at https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/melbourne or contact us on 1800 088 110.
For interviews with Jonathan Harper and Jez Hunghanfoo, please contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Bianca Wordley on 0407799365 or biancaw@oxfam.org.au
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