Fundraiser of the Month – Jami Hill

I love volunteering so there are many things that have motivated me to take on my first Inspired Adventure, but the biggest would be to fundraise for a fantastic foundation and give back to people that really need support. I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at the age of 7 and received 3 years of chemotherapy at Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth. As a family unit we were luckily enough to be supported by many foundations and not-for-profits such as the Leukaemia Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. I have completed Shave for a Cure several times but I love the idea of raising money for the foundation that also combines setting myself rewarding goals. Training for Machu Picchu is a great challenge that is incredibly empowering, especially post chemotherapy.

A combination of nervous excitement and overly enthusiastic motivation!  I have quite high standards for myself and combining full time work, with part time university, a training schedule and fundraising has already provided some tricky situations and the need for proactive management. I have already learnt a lot about myself and we are still a few months out from the trek! I am looking forward to pushing my own expectations of what I think my body is capable of doing.  Keeping in touch with other trekkers through social media is such a great way of motivating yourself and keeping that enthusiasm going. I have wanted to explore South America for years so I cannot wait to immerse myself in local culture.

I’ve found most of my support has come through social media. You do run the risk of spamming family and friends, however if you switch it up with interesting pictures or funny memes it engages people from another level rather than them just scrolling past ‘another fundraising post’. My recent idea has just become a reality! I have managed to have some Machu Picchu sports singlets designed as a fundraiser for family, friends and trekkers. I used the design and slogan brainstorming as way to engage people on Facebook and Instagram.  The sponsors for the singlets; Fremantle Indoor Beach Volleyball, Blend Pizza & Café, Range to Reef Environmental, Two of Three Design and Fremantle Health Food Store have enabled me to have the design and production done without spending out of my own pocket, which means all the money from the singlets will be able to be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation! I also created some bright and colourful flyers about my story to go with collection tins into staff rooms, cafes and offices. I’ve found that making the trek and cause relevant to the local community makes it more personal and engaging.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the hiking whenever possible (and so has my dog!). The most fantastic feeling is the local community and the support they have offered.  I have barely had to ask for help, which is probably the hardest and most uncomfortable part about fundraising. The horrible truth is nearly everyone knows someone effected by blood cancers and not everyone is lucky enough to have an outcome like mine.  If we can make a better brighter future for those that will be diagnosed, whether it be their treatment or even the level of care and support services, then it’s well worth the effort.

As I mentioned before my time management is fairly average! Making a schedule and combining catching up with friends with hikes or beach walks has been fantastic. I also find asking for help and especially for donations incredibly difficult. I know how many charities are out there and how bad our local job market is here in Perth – which is one of the reasons I wanted to make a singlet. That way there is something tangible and functional that people are making a donation for.

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising and charity focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!