In March 2016, I will be embarking on the biggest journey of my life thus far. I am joining a group of dedicated individuals to trek to the base camp of Mount Everest to raise money for UNICEF Australia. These funds will support life-saving nutrition programs for children and their families throughout Southeast Asia. A large portion of these funds will also go to the Nepal Emergency Children's Appeal to help aid children and their families who were affected by Nepal's devastating two earthquakes back in April 2015.  UNICEF continues to provide Nepal's children with clean water, sanitation kits, medical supplies, vaccinations, and school supplies while Nepal rebuilds their schools and communities.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life. However, because we do not choose where we are born or the circumstances by which we are surrounded, not every child is afforded this chance. I was fortunate to be born and raised in an environment where I never worried about going without a meal or not having a roof over my head. Clean water, food, and medical care was always available to my family and community. I cannot imagine how alone and powerless a parent would feel if they were unable to provide these basic needs for their child. For this reason I feel a sense of duty to help those parents, and those children, who through no fault of their own, face a harsh reality of life in poverty. 

I believe children are the light in this world. I believe that regardless of race, origin, or location, a child should be given the opportunity to thrive. Fortunately charities like UNICEF provide access to clean water, proper nutrition, vaccinations, and health services for both mother and child to ensure a child's survival. UNICEF receives no funding from the United Nations. It is only through the support by those, such as you and me, that allows them to continue to do their magnificent work.

I personally pledge to raise $10,000 for UNICEF Australia, and as a team, our goal is to raise, at a minimum, $100,000. It has always been a dream of mine to contribute to something larger than myself and to make a difference in this world in which we live. This opportunity presented itself unexpectedly, and it has spoken to me in a way like no other. I know the journey will challenge myself in all sorts of ways, but I feel like this is what I am meant to do and it is just the beginning! I am asking for your support to help me reach my goal! Any dollar amount that you are able to donate to this great cause is genuinely appreciated. Not only will you be supporting an experience that will undoubtedly enrich my life, but more importantly, you will be helping to save the lives of children across the world. Thank you so very much for your support!

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