Jana Christodoulou

For many years now I have been a part of an incredible organisation called The Reach Foundation. My journey with Reach started when I was 16 and selected to go to a ‘grounded’ workshop; a workshop that was aimed at ‘disengaged kids’. From the moment I stepped through the doors, the facilitators at Reach always challenged me and pushed me to be better. Years later, The Reach Foundation became the place I got to call work. 

This year I have been gifted with an opportunity to put my fitness to the test and do the Larapinta Trek; an 8 day hike through the beautiful Alice springs. Pushing myself physically is pretty far out of my comfort zone. I’ve never been very fit, haven’t ever loved exercise and it doesn’t help that I’ve spent many of my spare moments pumping darts. It’s because of those reasons though, that it makes sense to take on this challenge. As a part of my job at Reach, I ask young people to push themselves out of their comfort zones every day. 

With the Larapinta Trek in mind, I finally made the call to become more healthy, with my first step to this commitment being a big one, quitting smoking. There is just no way I could do this trek a smoker. After 10 long years, as of today it has been 50 days since I’ve had a cigarette, something I’m super proud of. In doing this, I have saved $950 so far. I’m therefore making a pledge that if I can raise $950 in a week, I’ll donate $450 from the money I’ve saved. 

Any donation will be appreciated whether it’s what you would spend on a soy latte with a dash of honey $6.50 (how outrageous Melbourne!), a $20 Uber fair or even what you’d pay for a few good drinks on a night out. I appreciate whatever you feel comfortable donating. Know that it goes to an incredible cause. 

Thank you for your support