AUSTRALIA

What a dream to finally make it to the land down under!

LOCATION: ALICE SPRINGS, NT, AUSTRALIA

FOCUS:  INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY CENTER, MOBILE DIALYSIS, AND KANGAROOS

LOCAL PARTNER:  ARRERNTE COMMUNITY BOXING ACADEMY,

TANGENTYERE COUNCIL, THE PURPLE HOUSE, THE KANGAROO SANCTUARY

TOTAL DONATED:  $14,000+ 

VOLUNTEER/CHARITY SUMMARY: 

I went to Australia with no set plan, other than to get out in the bush and see kangaroos. I decided to stay in Alice Springs, and I know I say this every time, but this was my favorite stop so far.

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Looking for a project, I met with 4 different groups that I liked, and talked with numerous people in Alice. When I'd ask if there was someone working in the community that could use a little help, without fail, everyone single person said Jason Lord.

He is remarkable, and this man is now my brother, I'm part of his Mob, and I have to say, I'm really proud of his work, and so grateful to facilitate a bit of growth for him.

I also provided a $1000 donation to Purple House and the Tangentyere Council, both of which are amazing organizations that deserve support.

Purple House runs a mobile dialysis clinic, and have expanded across the NT. They are a remarkable group (a well oiled machine), and I was so grateful to spend a day with them. Their programs could definitely use help, but they're a bit more established and their volunteer program requires more time than I had to give.

Tangentyere Council is a phenomenal organization that works with indigenous communities in the NT, but are a massive group with many moving parts. I just didn't have a way in for something specific to work on. However, I was able to buy an industrial washing machine for one of their community centers, and really hope to come back and help them in the future.

I loved everyone I met in Alice, but my personal goals came into focus with Jason's community program and the Arrernte Boxing Academy. This program serves Alice Springs and numerous indigenous communities in the region, so watch the videos below, as they give a much better overview than me typing it all out, but Jason's program is fantastic.

His program is community based, and provides the following:

He was a bit bound by his small space, and had his eye on something much larger. As luck would have it, with your help, I was able to facilitate and fund the entire move and build out the space, so he can grow his program with much larger impact. I love this man, his family, and the work he does.

The entire community got involved, as everyone sees a benefit from what he does, and this was just a joy to be part of.

Congrats to the Arrernte Boxing Academy, on your newly expanded mission!

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Now, the best part of being in Alice Springs was visiting Brolga, aka "Kangaroo Dundee," at The Kangaroo Sanctuary. I have nothing to say other than, I want to move to Australia and foster and cuddle kangaroos! What a wonderful place!