Where do we start? In August 2023, a team of 12 individuals dropped everything and headed overseas in an effort to complete an epic journey along the historical Kokoda trail.
The team had completed months of training, involving cardio, strength, and countless circuits up and down the stairs of Merewether Beach wearing weight vests. With every trekker not only generously donating their time and energy to complete this insane challenge, they also paid their own way, meaning every dollar raised during this fundraiser went directly towards our first project - the construction of 4x architecturally designed, accessible living units in Mayfield, NSW.
Now that we had the team and training was underway, we knew that with just a little bit of help, we could really take this event to the next level. And so entered our generous sponsors. We put the word out, and were completely overwhelmed to have 12 incredible business on board within 2 days.
A shout out to the following businesses who jumped on board without hesitation:
Upon landing in Papua New Guinea, the team met with the experts at Adventure Kokoda, who were by their side the entire way as they completed the 8-day journey, full of history, rain, slippery trails and sore feet.
With the journey starting at Ower's Corner, the team was presented with panoramic views from the get-go. Camping along the way, the first night saw the entire campsite inundated with rain, and it was a very wet night indeed.
Day 2 was the only day our trekkers were able to enjoy a dry shirt, with torrential rain joining them every other day (and night!). With no flat areas, the crew discovered you were either walking up a very big hill, or down a very big hill. With no 2 steps the same along the way, they guys saw a few river falls, a whole lot of blisters, and some precarious cliff side climbs that were not for the faint hearted.
One of the absolute highlights of the trip would have to be the opportunity to get involved with the locals in villages along the way. Every village the team rolled into saw a hero greeting from the most incredible hosts. Being a massive sporting country, our ambassador Aidan was recognised and welcomed very warmly by the children, and he saw most afternoons spent playing soccer and football with the locals.
Reflecting on their journey, every single trekker has returned with a new sense of respect for the sacrifice and challenges faced throughout history. An absolute unreal journey, and thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters back home, we were able to raise a mammoth $80,000 towards the construction costs of our first project.
Kaine, Dan, Aidan, Will, Mark, Adam, Tom M, Michael, Alex, Tommy B, Cohan and Jeremy - you pushed your bodies to their limits, all for our mission. From the entire team behind Buildcare, thank you. Words can not express the gratitude and respect we have for you all.
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