We are fundraising for ORCA Project
Janelle and Sue's initiative to participate in the "Aussie Camino Walk" from Portland, Victoria, to Penola, South Australia, is not just a test of their endurance but a meaningful quest to support a noble cause. By choosing to walk this significant trail from April 15th to 24th, they are stepping into a journey that mirrors the spirit of perseverance and dedication shown by Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint, who is known for her extensive work in education and helping the needy.
Their decision to support The ORCA Project, an initiative by Wesley Mission Queensland highlights a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of young adults aged 17-21 in Brisbane. The ORCA Project's focus on providing School Leaver Employment Supports training is crucial for equipping these young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the workforce successfully. It helps them find employment that not only aligns with their interests and capabilities but also enhances their confidence and independence in society.
The fundraising goal of $10,000 to purchase a Braille Translator and Embosser machine is a testament to their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. This machine is vital for making learning materials more accessible to blind participants in The ORCA Project, enabling them to engage more fully in their education and personal development. The ability to translate printed materials into Braille not only supports the learning process but empowers participants to create and present their work independently, reducing the need for continuous support from a worker.
By committing to donate $62.50 for every kilometre walked, Janelle and Sue are setting a clear, achievable target that will have a profound impact on the effectiveness of The ORCA Project's training programs. Their initiative underscores the importance of community support in driving positive change and highlights the potential for individual actions to contribute to broader social outcomes.
For those inspired by Janelle and Sue's journey and the cause they support, visiting The ORCA Project's website for more details and contributing to their fundraising efforts can be a significant step towards helping young people with disabilities transition confidently into the workforce. Their walk is not just a physical challenge but a stride towards creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
My Updates
What a difference we can make!
Monday 29th Apr Congratulations Sue and Janelle! So proud of you both.
Thank you! Thank you!
Monday 29th Apr Due to your generosity, we have achieved our fundraising goal. Thank you so very much!
Regional hospitality
Wednesday 24th Apr
The end of an Aussie Camino.
Tuesday 23rd Apr
Day 8: KDoo to Penola!
Tuesday 23rd Apr We made it!
Day 7 The words!!!
Monday 22nd Apr We left Dismal Swamp on a chilly 4° Sunday morning. Sue was "Gustodean" for the day (our St Augustine mascot) and, as she said, our praise singing was with the birds and our contemplation the paddocks.
Day 6 Accom at Dismal Swamp
Monday 22nd Apr
Day 6 Walking Mount Gambier to Dismal Swamp
Monday 22nd Apr
Day 6 Mt Gambier sight seeing
Monday 22nd Apr
Day 5 Port Macdonnell to Mount Gambier
Saturday 20th Apr A different day as we left the coast and started to walk north, following roads, farms, "the long paddock," and limestone roads. The rainbow was an unexpected symbol ... and it started raining again during our photo stop!!! Cold, windy, showers, freezing at our lunch time stop at Mount Shank, then onto Mount Gambier (via the ice cream shop... yum!) A slower start to Day 6 so there was time to post earlier!!! Share
Day 4: Inland route to Swan Lake
Friday 19th Apr
Day 3: Cape Bridgewater to Bridgewater Lakes
Friday 19th Apr Day 3 and it was Cape Bridgewater to Bridgewater Lakes. We're really walking along the most amazing coastal route of the Great South West Walk. First stop, though, was Mary's Well in Portland, then on up the 150m elevation to look down on a playful seal colony, though only 2 there today and you can't see them in the photo!
Where's Walker the ORCA?
Thursday 18th Apr
Day 2 From Cape Nelson, along stoney tracks along the headland, down to the beach (with rogue waves and washed up shipping containers!
Thursday 18th Apr Share
Portland - where it began
Thursday 18th Apr
An Aussie Camino
Thursday 18th Apr Our pilgrimage is now 4 days in. We have been adjusting to a different world where discipline, group living, timing, walking, preparation, debriefings ... and foot care ... and the rhythm of the day.
Pilgrim Passport and Guide
Monday 15th Apr
And so we begin!
Monday 15th Apr
What is a Braille Translator Machine
Tuesday 9th Apr
Have you ever heard about a Braille Translator Machine? Let's talk about how revolutionary this technology is, especially for us at Orca. It's like unlocking the door to inclusive communication at its best. Picture this: with a Braille embosser at our disposal, we're empowered to convert any document into Braille. The beauty of it? None of us need to be fluent in Braille or memorize the intricate symbols and patterns. This machine smartly takes our documents, regardless of their format, and transforms them into Braille, seamlessly making our workplace more accessible to everyone.
Think about the difference it makes. Up until now, our blind colleagues had to depend on others to access written materials, from worksheets to handouts. Sure, they've been managing to create their own portfolios and reflections, but sharing them out loud, in front of peers and colleagues, always meant needing a bit of help to ensure they're echoing their thoughts accurately. Enter the Braille Translator Machine, coupled with a keyboard overlay in Braille, and suddenly, they're equipped to not only produce their documents independently but also present them confidently. It's a game-changer, ensuring that everyone on our team has the tools they need to express themselves and contribute fully.
Share
These Boots, they keep on Walking!!
Sunday 7th Apr
Easter Trekking through Bunyaville Reserve
Sunday 7th Apr
Planning and prep ... thanks Emma!
Monday 1st Apr A big shoutout to Emma, an Exercise Physiologist at Albany Creek Leisure Centre. During the last 7 months she's tailored my workout, updating and fine tuning, plus giving me heaps of support and encouragement to achieve my 192klm goal! Thanks Emma!!!
Hello from me (Sue)
Thursday 28th Mar
Our special orca buddies!
Thursday 28th Mar
Training has started and stopped...
Monday 11th Mar
Thank you to my Sponsors
$2k
Anonymous
$1.02k
Anonymous
Well Done Ladies
$1,000
John Dangerfield
Well done kids
$600
Ian Bell
$420
Keperra Sanctuary Ecumenical Church
$300
Naomi Kickbusch
$263.75
Graeme & Erica Drew
Great work Janelle and Sue. Congratulations on your initiative for a worthy cause.
$253.20
David And Michelle Royle
Go Janelle and Sue, We are so proud of you and fully supportive of this great cause. May God bless you with no blisters! 😊 Love and prayers for your walk. David and Michelle
$253.20
Jessica Warren
Wishing you both all the best on the Camino walk for this amazing cause! Brody and Willa will be cheering you on from afar, Mema!
$211
Sophie Eppingstall
Go you good things! A step closer to more inclusive workplaces, a leap to a more inclusive world. Keep breaking down those barriers xx
$191
See Above Donees
Donations have been received from the following members of Albany Creek Uniting Church: Shirley Edbrooke ($50); Betty Hall ($50); Maureen Eades ($50); Brucce & Lyn Cunneen ($40)
$121
See Above Donees
Donations have been received from the following Albany Creek Uniting Church members. David Hall (son of Sue Hall) $100.00 Anonymous $20.00
$116.05
Sophie Fredericks
$116.05
Linda Rooney
$116.05
Bradon French
$114.40
Lynne Mather
Go ladies...you have my admiration
$114.40
Graeme & Cathy Hall
We'll be following your progress on the trail....
$105.50
Luke & Kylee Mather
$105.50
Anonymous
$105.50
Alison
Thanks Janelle and Sue. You are incredible women. 🙏
$105.50
Bev Bell
Go the girls! Hope you make it to the end and aren’t too exhausted!
$104
Margaret Florence
$101
Heather And Andy
Best of luck to you both!
$100.22
Jessica Pinkerton
$100
George Golding
$100
Caroline Neep
$100
Getaway Trekking Pty Ltd
$100
Anonymous
$100
Leanne Michelle Cox
A very worthwhile cause. Enjoy the experience too.
$100
Cathy D
What an amazing trip. I'll be following your progress
$100
Marion Carberry
$100
Diane Kettleton
$100
Joyce
$95
Ann Harris
$62.50
Helen Milton
$52.75
Margaret Blanch
Best wishes Janelle and Sue. Hope you achieve your fundraising goal!
$52.75
Anonymous
$52.75
Arthur And Beverly Diack
$52.75
Murray Smith
Look after those feet!
$52.75
Jennifer Anderson
Happy to help with this worthy cause
$52.75
Jasmin Cox
Ho-e the walking for ORCA goes well
$52.75
Avryl Gration
Great project Janelle! Well done and enjoy the rest of your pilgrimage. 💖
$52.75
Anonymous
Thank you so much for your dedication to walk for ORCA - such a wonderful commitment! Well d asone!
$52.75
Anonymous
This is fantastic work you two. I am only home late yesterday so catching up on emails now. I hope the transition back home after the Camino walking was not too difficult. Hope you can get the braille machine.
$52
George Golding
$51
Karine Machado
Wow.. this is an incredible experience. Go you people on so much good things.. The world needs more people like you to become more inclusive.. to help breaking down those barriers!!
$50.64
Anonymous
praying for your goal, your health, safety and comfort during your walk
$50.64
Jenny Hodby
$50.64
Paul Walton
$50.64
Glenda M
$50.64
Annie Peterson
$50.64
Shirley Duke
All the best from one of your fellow Camino pals.
$50.64
Robyn
Well done. Hope you enjoyed as much as we did. Paul and Rob
$50.64
Barker Family
Congratulations!
$50.64
Emma And Mark
Well done Janelle! An amazing achievement. Love Emma and Mark
$50
Jill And Peter Trudgian
$50
Lachlan's Grandma
$50
Cheryl Leahy
$50
Cheryl Leahy
$50
Jeanie Jones
$49.92
Tracey Pile
Best wishes Janelle, its a fantastic cause you are raising funds for, good luck with your walk and raising funds xx
$49.92
Kathy Wright
$49.92
Caroline Neep
Well done special ladies!
$48
Pam And Pete Goodfellow
Good luck Janelle
$31.20
Joyce Spry
Go girls!
$21.10
Jen Devine
Hope the walk goes well Janelle & Sue! So proud of you helping to raise money for The ORCA Project! Enjoy the walk!
$21.10
Gordon Armour
Well done Janelle 👏
$20
Mary Chan
$20
Marion And Greg Carberry
$20
Graeme Burzacott
$20
Marion And Greg Carberry
$20
Anonymous
$20
Elizabeth Golding
$10.55
Jess Evans
$5
Well done for a brilliant cause