A Bosnian refugee from Maribyrnong is cycling 415 kilometres through Cambodia to raise money and awareness for women and girls who have been sold into sex slavery, some aged as young as three.
Through her association with Business Chicks, Amela Kmetas aims to raise $7000 for the Somaly Mam Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation.
Ms Kmetas said the foundation helped women escape their plight and empowered survivors through economic independence, helping them reintegrate back in to the community.
“I moved to Australia in 1996 as a refugee of war,” Ms Kmetas said.
“I’ve experienced the support of strangers. It definitely is why I’ve always wanted to be a part of helping others where it will make a positive impact in their life. I can’t begin to imagine what the women and children of this crime have gone through, but what I can do is help raise awareness and make a difference.”
Ms Kmetas has already raised more than $5000 toward her $7000 target, through donations and fund-raising activities such as movie nights, raffles and selling chocolate.
As she doesn’t own a bike, Ms Kmetas has been sponsored by Port Melbourne Cycles (PMC), which donated one for her training.
PMC director Sonny Singh said people “are to be admired for trying to make a difference for the victims of this cruel industry”.
Ms Kmetas departs Australia tomorrow, starting her ride in Siem Reap and heading north to Sihanoukville.
