Lara Johnston
Cause: Amnesty International
Adventure: Hike the Homelands
As our Fundraiser of the Month, Lara has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.
What inspired you to take on your adventure challenge with Amnesty International?
30 years of life and I have so much to be thankful for. It is the blessings that I have and continue to experience that make me feel compelled to have a positive impact in my life journey, that make me feel compelled to take action to combat social injustices that are present in our world. I have taken up this adventure challenge for this reason, but also because I love to travel and learn about and experience the land, culture and history of other places. It also incorporates exercise – activism, exercise, travel and learning what’s not to love?!
How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Central Australia before? Or done any similar treks?
I am feeling really excited about the Hike for the Homelands challenge because I have never completed this trek before and love the idea of taking up an adventure in Australia. Last year I was fortunate enough to hike the Machu Picchu trek in Peru on another Inspired Adventure expedition for Oxfam Australia. I am also excited to support an organisation that promotes and defends human rights for all.
What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?
I am so fortunate to have such compassionate and generous networks that every event I have organised so far has really been a good time catching up with beautiful people. A particular highlight for me though during my fundraising experience has been encouraging supporters to engage with social issues and support Amnesty International campaigns by signing petitions for current campaigns. It has been really interesting to engage in dialogue with people about causes and social issues they feel passionate about.
What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?
Not returning emails and phone calls to the lovely Inspired crew in a timely fashion. I’m not sure I have overcome this – it’s just who I am – lucky they are such an approachable, friendly and helpful bunch!
Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since signing up for the challenge?
I feel really fortunate to access such an opportunity as it has enriched my life and made me a better person. I see Inspired Adventures and their challenges as an avenue that has helped me to be an agent of social change while still allowing me to experience what our country and world has to offer. It has changed my view on travel and also provided me with an avenue to promote amazing non-for profit organisations to my friends and family that they may not hear about otherwise. Hearing my friends and family say things like ‘Can’t wait for your next fundraiser’, seeing the impact it has had on those around me, even if just through conversation, is pretty sensational. On my last Inspired Adventure trip, I experienced so many awe inspiring moments with such wonderful like-minded people and I’m confident that the Hike for the Homelands challenge will be as equally amazing.
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming challenge?
I am really looking forward to looking up into the night sky in the Australian outback, seeing some exceptional country and making connections and friendships with new people.
What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?
The Inspired Adventures website is so easy to navigate. Find a challenge or country that fits your needs and wants or alternatively find an organisation that stirs your conscious and run with it. Training for adventures are made easier when you invite friends and family to join you. When you are fundraising and organising events, don’t be afraid to ask people to help or donate their help in whatever form that may be, donations of items or time. Do it! You won’t regret it.
Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!
Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!
@INSPIREDADVENTURES
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