Login
iscover
The national military charity is calling on volunteers to take part in the fourth annual Bravery Trek, encouraging participants to run, walk, wheel or swim four marathons or an individual distance over 44 days during September and October.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The challenge is a way for people to show their support for current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, raising funds for those who need emergency funding.
The challenge will be held between 17 September and 31 October and is aligned with the Veterans’ Health Week. Registrations for Bravery Trek will open early August at www.braverytrek.com.au.
Belinda Wilson, chief executive officer of Bravery Trust, explained that it was incumbent on everyone to support our veteran and ADF community.
“It is everybody’s responsibility to recognise the unique service of our ADF members and the sacrifices made by the members and their families,” Wilson said.
“Bravery Trek celebrates their contribution to our nation – and also raises funds and awareness for Aussie veterans who need financial support.”
The trek is virtual, allowing participants to complete their challenge in any way they choose whether walking, running, swimming or wheeling, the charity explained.
Participants even have the opportunity to sign up with friends to split the distance or set their own distance and go further to help raise funds for our veteran community.
“Our veterans are some of the proudest people and we know that first step, reaching out for help, can be the hardest,” Wilson said.
“But sometimes life throws unexpected challenges – large bills which can be difficult to navigate when income is impacted by injury or illness.
“As an independent charity, Bravery Trust can provide emergency funding to veterans who’ve been injured or sustained illness during service and face hardship.
“We also provide preventative and mentoring programs through financial counselling and financial education to build financial resilience.”
Bravery Trust explained that the fourth annual Bravery Trek was more important than just raising money to support veterans, but that it also serves to remove stigma around veteran mental health.
“While mental health conversations are slowly becoming more common – the stigma surrounding financial discussions does unfortunately remain,” Wilson continued.
“We want the community to start talking about finances – the impact of financial stress on veteran wellbeing, marriage breakdowns, families and, importantly, the links between financial stress and veteran suicide rates.
“Our service is free, independent, and confidential.
“Contact us if you are a current or ex-serving member of the Australian Defence Force and are in hardship and are finding it difficult to navigate debt.
“Also contact us early – when financial circumstances are about to change – any time when finances are becoming a stress point.”
Registrations for Bravery Trek will open early August at www.braverytrek.com.au.
The charity also announced that if participants register and have $55 or more in donations before 24 August, that they will receive a Bravery Trust t-shirt.
