Travel Adventures Fundraiser profile – Lisa Nixon

Lisa Nixon took part in the Kokoda trek challenge. She describes her motivation for taking part in the adventure and how she raised the funds necessary to take part.

What was your main motivation to participate in a Mission Australia Overseas Travel Adventure?
It was something different and challenging that would take me out of my comfort zone, both through the fundraising and walking the track itself. It would also be the first time that I would have travelled overseas.

Why did you choose to support Mission Australia?
Mission Australia supports many disadvantaged people including teenage mums and single parents which are issues that I can identify with. Fundraising for an organisation knowing that the money raised would go towards these types of programs made the challenge appealing.

Who did you trek the Kokoda track with?
My wonderful mum and a whole bunch of other fantastic people from all over Australia.

How did you raise the funds needed to take part in the adventure?
We held many events including a trivia night, silent auction, a yule fest dinner, fashion parade, garage sales, BBQ’s, a bush dance and a family photo day; we also sold chocolates and received donations from family and friends.

What made your fundraising efforts so successful?
A lot of hard work, planning and advertising of the events. When advertising for the events we gave out flyers as well as advertising in the local community papers, at local schools, churches and childcare centres.

What were the highlights of the Kokoda Trek?
Everything! It was an amazing experience. The countryside was beautiful, the local people were friendly and to see the conditions that our Australian Soldiers had to endure made me have respect for what they went through.

What made you decide to trek the Inca trail in Peru later this year for Mission Australia?
I enjoyed the experience of Kokoda and the challenge of fundraising and wanted to do it again. I had been thinking about it for awhile when a friend from work emailed me and asked if I would do the Peru Trek with her. So we signed up.

What sort of activities and fundraisers will you be organising to raise funds to go to Peru?
This time around we are looking at organising a High Tea afternoon where people can get together with friends, while helping raise money for Mission Australia. We are also planning a Trivia Night, a BBQ at Bunnings and selling lots of chocolates.

How do you manage to juggle working, studying and preparing for the trek whilst trying to raise funds for Mission Australia?
With lots of help and support from family and friends. Unfortunately they can’t help me with my essays, but they can help me with the planning and organisation of my fundraising activities.

What are you looking forward to most on the Inca Trail in Peru?
Reaching Machu Picchu. Everyone says that it’s just amazing!

What tips would you give to others who are considering taking part in a Mission Australia Overseas Challenge?
JUST DO IT! It’s very rewarding and a whole lot of fun. You’ll experience things that you never thought you would or could do and you will meet some great people along the way.

There are only a few opportunities left to reach the roof of Africa, walk in the footsteps of the diggers on the Kokoda Track, and discover the Sacred Hidden Valley in Peru. Does this sound like something you want to do?  If so, click here.