Why I'm Walking: Tony Ashdown, Development Manager, SA

South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute Development Manager Tony Ashdown shares why he's decided to walk 26km to help refugee children go to school...

"I am looking forward to Walk My Way for a variety of reasons.

Firstly, I love walking. It is exhilarating, although I cannot guarantee that feeling after 26 kilometres!

Secondly, I have full respect for the incredible tradition of the German women from Hahndorf walking with their produce and returning with two bricks each for the Church.

Thirdly, my wife Jenny and I are keen supporters of ALWS. The work being done is largely unheralded and such a valuable expression of the Kingdom of God.

I am delighted to be a participant in this walk and to add my support and involvement to this special walk."

Thanks, Tony! To support Tony, click here - or walk alongside Tony by registering now. Thank you!

Why I'm Walking: Chey Mattner, Head of ALWS

"Why have I decided to walk?

Chey Mattner, meeting in the mountains outside of Kathmandu

Because I’ve just spent today with some refugees in Djibouti who’ve lived in the same camp for 25 years. Some were born in the camp, and now have children of their own.

I have children of my own too. But I have choices. They have choices. These refugees do not.

They are instead at the mercy of another country, and there’s no sign of them leaving.

The least I can do is put on a pair of sneakers, and show them that they are not forgotten.

We must bring this issue to the attention of others, and Walk My Way is a great way of doing this.  

Walk with me too. Walk with THEM!"

To join Chey, head to the Walk My Way website to register. Or donate here - thank you!

Sewing Hope: Fatima's Story

Fatima at the Lutheran Community Sewing Group
in Albert Park (SA), sewing one of the head-scarves
given to all Walk My Way Walkers.

“We had to leave Iraq because it was very dangerous in our area. There are very big problems, bombs, killing. We escaped to Jordan first, and came to Australia in 2003.

I was a nurse. I worked in Jordan for 2 years with a surgeon in hospital. But not here. I can’t. I don’t know English words in nursing.

I miss Iraq too much… (cries) … All my family is there.  I miss my family, and my neighbours. Every time they are together I am missing. They miss me too much. In Iraq I know everyone. We share cooking and talk.

Here I know no one.  I was very sad and crying when I first came here. Angry.

I have been coming to sewing group for 6 years.  When I first come, I know I was not good at English. Anytime someone would talk to me, or teach me, I just say ‘thank you, thank you’. But I was not sure what they were saying.

A lady taught me sewing, but I learn so much more than sewing. When I come here, it makes me more good than before … (cries) ... Now I know everything and I teach.

This group very important to me. These people are my neighbours. I know them now … too much I know them … (laughs) … Now I’m happy to stay. It is good.”

You're needed to help other new neighbours like Fatima. You can register to Walk, volunteer, pray, or donate now. Thank you!

From little things, HUGE things grow!

Vicki Gollash, ALWS Community Education rep for Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, shares the story of a small but MIGHTY group of kids and teachers in rural Victoria.    Students from St Peter’s Lutheran School in Dimboola saved their devotion offerings for 2 years to help an amazing 50 refugee kids go to school! A couple of weeks ago, I visited St Peter's Lutheran School in Dimboola. With just 27 kids in total, I think it may be the smallest Lutheran School in Australia! I spoke to 11 Grade P-2 students and then 16 Grade 3-6 students. They were lovely kids and really keen to learn. After lunch, they half-filled buckets of water and walked 1 km around the block. It’s a simple exercise to experience what life is like for other children their age. This is all part of a very normal school visit.   The surprising part happened at the end of the day… ...when they presented me with a cheque for $1300! The students and the whole school community were so excited because this means they can help 50 refugee kids go to school! What an incredible effort - thank you, St Peter's Lutheran School! And what a wonderful reminder to us all that from little things - like a $1 coin in the devotion collection jar - AMAZING things can grow! If you'd also like to help refugee kids go to school, sign up for Walk My Way or simply Donate Now. Thank you!

Meet Indi: Minecraft enthusiast and Champion for Refugees!

Inspired by a visit from the ALWS Community Education team to her school, Queensland student Indi decided she needed to do something to help refugees. 

'I love the work they [ALWS] do' says Indi. 'They help refugees and people in developing countries, in all sorts of ways. I am hoping to raise $100 by not using my devices (ipad/iPhone, except for essential school work) from Sunday 21st May through to Saturday 28th May'.

See Indi's passion in her short video below!

Or watch it here on YouTube. 

I'm sure you'll agree Indi seems like a pretty amazing girl. 

What's even more amazing is that she's already smashed her $100 target and has increased it to $500 - which would help an incredible 19 refugee children!

In her quest to help others, Indi knows she hasn't taken on an easy challenge in giving up her devices. 'This means no Minecraft and no YouTube' she says. 'It will be very hard for me'.

Mum Bek is so proud of her daughter:

'This afternoon she was watching an SBS documentary she found that I had taped called Go Back To Where You Came From. She was calling out to the TV in support of refugees. I love her heart!'

You can sponsor Indi on her fundraising page here, or simply leave her a comment to encourage her. Go Indi!