AMount Gambier duo will walk from Badenoch’s Deli to Port MacDonnell to raise awareness and funds for an important cause.
Katherine van den Hoogen and Alyce Vaughn will take on the 24km ‘Walk to Remember’ on Saturday, June 3.
The pair is fundraising for Four Reasons Why to help victims of domestic violence and abuse while raising awareness and encouraging people to speak up and speak out against domestic violence.
Ms van den Hoogen said Four Reasons Why recently helped her during a difficult situation and walking from Badenoch’s to the bay had been a personal goal for some time.
“We just want to get the awareness out there for domestic violence against men and women and there is support out there and you are not alone,” she said.
“There are days you are going to feel like you are and there’s no one that can help, but there are people out there to help.
“I have been through domestic violence myself; I came out the other side thanks to a very good friend of mine who is also going to be there on the day.
“If it was not for her, I probably would not be here today.
“The reason why I chose walking was because walking got me through a lot of dark days, walking, listening to music and the beach.
“If I can save one person from dying by doing this, I am happy.”
Ms van den Hoogen was thrilled with the community support and fundraising efforts so far and they have raised more than $3000 of their $5000 goal.
Badenoch’s will open at 7.30am to fuel the ladies up before their 8am start and local businesses are supporting the initiative, including sponsoring pit stops during their journey.
At the finish line, the duo will be congratulated by Grant District Mayor Kylie Boston, South East Street Machines will bring their vehicles, there will be a coffee van, a sausage sizzle by Rotary and information from local services available.
Four Reasons Why founder Trudi Shelton said they planned to run the event annually, but along the rail lands next year.
“We have had some interest of people wanting to be involved in the walk and walk along which is great, so next year that opportunity will be there,” she said.
“It is about honouring Katherine’s dream, her goal, her passion, and her why, that was always the foundation of it.
“I am really in awe of Katherine and her bravery and Alyce for supporting her, it is not an easy thing to come out and say that you have experienced or lived through.
“I am just really inspired by what she is doing, her why, and hopefully we reach a lot of people, that it can maybe make a positive difference to their lives.
Ms Shelton said domestic violence appeared to be on the rise, with increased numbers of domestic abuse victims contacting Four Reasons Why for help.
“It certainly needs to be something that we want to talk about and reduce the taboo around it and the stigma because help is out there,” she said.
“Domestic violence does not discriminate.
“It does not matter your gender, your socio-economic status, age, it is across all walks of life.”
Ms Vaughn said as domestic violence was previously an unspoken topic, this needed to change.
“It has changed a lot, but it needs to keep changing,” she said.
“I think a lot of victims feel ashamed of it, and they really should not.”
People affected by domestic abuse or family and friends of those affected can apply for VIP tickets from The Haven Mount Gambier and Four Reasons Why which include a bus ride to and from Port MacDonnell to support Ms van den Hoogen and Ms Vaughn along with lunch and drinks.
For further information contact trudi@fourreasonswhy.org.au, 0432 332 762 or message the Four Reasons Why Facebook page.
Donate via Police Credit Union, BSB 805 005, account number 526 2837 and comment WALK4DV.
