Small steps making a big difference
A 30km walk from Brisbane to Redcliffe is just the beginning of a series of adventures for author and book coach Jas Rawlinson.
The self-proclaimed “Non-Adventurous Person” completed the walk only hours before the most recent COVID-19 lockdown in a bid to raise awareness about – and money for – Project Karma, a charity dedicated to fighting child exploitation.
“The money raised will help to rescue and rehabilitate more survivors of child sexual exploitation, as well as to bring offenders to justice,” Jas says.
“The most I was able to do prior to my charity walk was 12km - so I really did have a challenge ahead of me when the day came and I was facing 30km.
“I thought that walking 30km in honour of July 30 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Day) would be a good match, but as someone who isn't naturally sporty, I also felt that 30km was far enough to really test myself, without being out of my reach.”
Reality adventure
Her fundraising paves the way for her to take part in Adventure All Stars, an award-winning reality TV series that combines travel with philanthropy.
Each episode of the series, which starts production in September, is filmed in a different location around Australia, showcasing amazing sights and experiences.
“As a cast member, I won't know where I'm going or what I'm doing until I arrive - it's a complete surprise,” Jas explains.
Money raised by participants in the next series will be donated to Project Karma, an Australian registered charity behind an international network of investigators, lawyers, intelligence operatives and other specialist volunteers working to combat the sexual exploitation of children.
Important cause
As an anti-human-trafficking ambassador for Destiny Rescue, which works to end child sexual exploitation and slavery, Jas says it is an honour to raise funds for Project Karma.
“Human trafficking and slavery are more common and widespread today than they were at any other time in history,” she says.
“The pandemic has also created a spike in child exploitation, both here in Australia as well as overseas, with many children being groomed via digital platforms and photo-sharing apps.
“One of the reasons I'm a proud supporter of Project Karma is that they are dedicated to fighting child exploitation wherever and however it occurs.”
To donate to Jas’s fundraiser click here.