Passionate and committed supporters like Lucy (18), help make our work possible. At just 15, Lucy joined us in Cambodia and got her hands dirty, working alongside a family to help build a safe and decent place to call home.
- What did you take away from the Cambodia build in 2019?
It was a life changing experience. I met the most incredible people, worked harder than I ever have before in the toughest conditions I’ve ever experienced, and made an impact which changed a family’s life forever. Bonding with the family over the course of the build week and seeing the delight on the children’s faces when we taught them how to play catch are memories that I will forever cherish. I came away with a sense of the deepest gratitude for all that I have and the opportunities that life presents to me.
- What would you say to someone your age thinking of volunteering?
The experience will shape you as a person, and the memories and emotions will stay with you for the rest of your life. I personally feel that this opportunity would benefit anyone, but I think that it was an incredibly important experience to have early in my life, as the way that it has changed my perception of the world and outlook on life is immense. Also, it is so much fun, and in addition to the hard yet rewarding work, Habitat ensures that you experience culture, food, people and local adventures – when I went to Cambodia the entire team spent an afternoon on the bamboo trains!
- Any other thoughts?
Whilst it is disappointing that overseas travel won’t be on the agenda for a while, it’s great to know that Habitat Australia is continuing with local bushfire recovery projects. I am so excited to have the opportunity to organise a school trip providing relief to affected families while having fun and working alongside my friends.
I can’t wait for many years ahead of volunteering with Habitat.
If you are inspired by Lucy’s love of volunteering and giving back, read on to find out more about our newest adventure to Cradle Mountain.
Hike for Habitat
Where: Cradle Mountain, TAS
Starting: 18 January 2022
Duration: 5 days
On this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit Cradle Mountain which sits in the stunning Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, one of Australia’s premier trekking destinations. Experience rocky mountain peaks, buttongrass moorlands, glacial lakes, waterfalls and dense rainforest, hallmarks of this natural haven.
Best of all, you’ll help families in Australia and across Asia and the Pacific access affordable and safe housing.
Each hiker will fundraise $2,500 and every dollar raised on this adventure will help ensure we can continue to help those most in need at home and overseas.
“The trek was amazing! Truly life-changing. A great group of people. An experience I will cherish for life. The solitude is so good for the soul.”
Lauren Griffiths, Tasmania Trek 2018
Highlights
- 5 days trekking a variety of trails around the Cradle Mountain Village area.
- Glide your feet along the Cradle Valley Boardwalk where you’re likely to see wombats grazing on the flat grassy plains
- Experience some of the most serene lakes and waterfalls Australia has to offer
- Stand beneath the magnificent King Billy pines and soak in their 2000-year-old history
- Help those in need of a hand-up rebuild their lives.
For more information email [email protected]
