UPDATE Congratulations to Andrew Borthwick on a successful Kokoda trial hike for homeless youth!
Andrew has not only smashed his trail this August, but he has also smashed his fundraising target. With the support of Andrew’s friends, family, and colleagues, Andrew doubled his fundraising target, raising over $4,000 on his $2,000 fundraising target!
Thank you to Andrew and all his supporters for making Andrew’s already rewarding trail challenge that much more impactful for youth in need.
Andrew Borthwick, Managing Director of Resolve Partners, is gearing up to hike the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea on 21 August to raise funds for the Property Industry Foundation and support homeless youth.
The hike will take Andrew nine days to complete along a single-file foot track that runs 96 kilometres through the remote and rugged Owen Stanley Range. Andrew will join a guided group and is preparing for long days of trekking, high humidity, steep inclines, wet weather and elevations up to 2,190 metres.
The longest hike Andrew has done previously was four days, over 20 years ago, so he’s taking a big step up for a good cause! “I used to do a lot of hiking and camping when I was young but haven’t done any serious hiking in years,” Andrew admits.
“I’ve been wanting to get back into it for some time and to set myself a new challenge. The Kokoda Track is certainly a big challenge and is something that I will probably only do once in my life. I also thought that if I’m going to take on this challenge, then how can I make it beneficial to other people, which is why I decided to use it to help raise funds for a good cause.”
Having previously completed the CEO Sleepout, Andrew was impacted by personal stories from people who have experienced homelessness and decided to fundraise for the Property Industry Foundation. “Homelessness is caused by a number of factors, but part of the solution is providing short- and long-term accommodation, and other support services. As a professional in the property industry, I believe we all have a responsibility to help contribute to the solution and accommodation needs of the homeless. We are well placed to assist and support the Foundation. I also believe that helping with youth homelessness breaks the cycle of what could otherwise become permanent homelessness if young people don’t get the help to get back on their feet.”
The track requires a high level of physical fitness and stamina and Andrew has been putting in the kays to get physically and mentally strong for what’s ahead. “I’ve been gradually ramping up the training and have been doing various hikes in national parks around Melbourne. Mainly just trying to get lots of kilometres into the legs. Last weekend I did a 15km in the Dandenong Ranges, where I walked up Mt Dandenong. I could also try not showering for a week, but I think I might leave that until the Kokoda Trek itself!” Andrew jokes.
Thinking of all the young Australians without a bed or a safe home will give Andrew an extra boost as he tackles the punishing track. “Knowing that I’m doing this to help others, and not just for my own benefit, will help me push through,” Andrew says. “I’m sure it’s going to be very tough on the hike at times, but it’s not going to be as hard as spending an extended period of time on the streets. So, no matter how hard it gets, there are others doing it tougher.”
Support Andrew on his Kokoda Track fundraising walk on 21-30 August through his fundraising page and help him reach a personal target of $2,000 towards homeless building projects. Follow his progress on his LinkedIn page.
