Volunteers who trekked the Larapinta Trail to raise money for a new home for young people experiencing homelessness have raised more than $65,000 for Victorian charity Lighthouse Foundation.
Earlier this month, Lighthouse Foundation staff and volunteers trekked the Northern Territory’s renowned 223-kilometre track to raise funds for young people impacted by neglect, abuse, and homelessness, totalling $67,000.
Michelle Power, Chair of a Community Committee at Lighthouse, said raising awareness and funds was a way to make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.
“There are 6,000 homeless young adolescents in Victoria on any given night, and there are 12 Lighthouse homes in Melbourne,” said Power.
“The Larapinta Trail was a great way to raise money towards opening a new Lighthouse home and making a difference.”
Lighthouse Homes provide vulnerable young people with a dedicated environment that is safe, welcoming, and nurturing, where young people live alongside carers and are supported by the wider Lighthouse team of staff and volunteers.
“There are so many children out there needing help, and Lighthouse Foundation is extending its reach to support more young people.”
Power highlighted that through the Lighthouse Foundation, she has become more aware of the circumstances that lead to youth homelessness.
“I didn’t have much of an idea of what a homeless person might experience, and working with Lighthouse has really opened my eyes to some of the trauma, neglect, and abuse they’ve had to suffer,” she added.
“These youths are living on the fringes of society, they’re trying to cope with day-to-day issues, and they’re really struggling. Unless someone like Lighthouse Foundation steps up and helps them, they can become quite lost.”
Lighthouse Foundation has operated for more than 30 years and has helped more than 1100 young people access the support they need to heal and grow.
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