A Laverton youth worker will push a car 42 kilometres in 15 hours to raise money for programs benefiting young people in Melbourne’s west.
No stranger to exerting himself for a cause, Alex Petrou’s past efforts include pushing a pink wheelie bin from Melbourne to Geelong to raise money for a child with cancer, walking the Kokoda Track for brain tumour patients, and cycling across the US for youth homelessness.
“Actions sometimes speak louder than words, and the adversity of pushing a car and pushing through that challenge, we’re hoping, will align next to some youth in the Wyndham and Hobsons Bay region who have experienced adversity in life,” he said.
“We’re trying to show them that life is tough, there are challenges. Sometimes it feels like you’re pushing a car, but you can get past that and you can still succeed and be the best you need to be.”
He said the young people who accessed Laverton’s Youth Foundation had identified projects that needed funding. Among them are free self-defence for women, an art project for people with an intellectual disability, and swimming for refugees.
“We want to help them do these projects, but as you’re probably aware, finding funding for them is hard,” Mr Petrou said.
“We don’t believe in putting our hand out for money. We’re willing to put our money where our mouth is to do the projects.
“None of the money is going towards expenses; 100 per cent of the funds will go to the projects. We’ve got enough volunteers so there’s no operational wages.”
The challenge is part of the Push for Youth campaign and will be held at Victoria University’s Werribee track from 9am on Saturday. It will include family activities such as rides, entertainment and a barbecue. Entry is by gold coin donation and people can sponsor Mr Petrou for each kilometre he pushes the car. Tax deductible donations can be made online and Mr Petrou’s push can be followed on Facebook or on twitter under the #push4youth hashtag.
For more information, visit www.mycause.com.au/page/pushforyouth2014.
