Well a few more donations to the Black Dog Institute have started to trickle in this month so I thought it about time I posted an overall update on the Pre-Camino journey so far.
I started preparing for this walk back in early March but the site didn’t really get up and running ’til about mid-April as my ideas of how this would work settled in my mind. And if I’m honest, I still haven’t put the word out there as best as I could, so there’s still work to be done.
But before we get to that, I’d like to acknowledge my generous supporters of my chosen charity, the Black Dog Institute. You can see them all on my Heroes & Heroines page but for those that don’t like clicking links… I’d like to formally thank Laras and Natasha, Akshay David, Andrew Herridge, Anthea Eckermann, Angelique Rauschenbach, Jo Johnstone, and Margaret Kavanagh. Together we’ve raised $665 for the Black Dog Institute and the research, education and support they provide to those struggling with mental health problems.
My goal is $5000 and I don’t feel that’s unrealistic to achieve. Just like all 800km of the Camino-Frances, it will be achieved one step at a time. Likewise, every $5 donated will get us to that goal of $5000. So let’s keep it going.
Some other notable achievements made since this all kicked off:
- Registered the walkingwithstrangers.net domain and setup the blog
- Bought almost all my gear required for the walk
- Walked 274km with my pack in training
- Dropped my two kitty cats off at their Mum’s in QLD for safe keeping
- Became an accredited Mental Health First Aider
- Had some business cards made up to promote awareness for Mental Health and my blog
- Posted 56 blog entries (plus this one)
Some things in the pipeline or at least on the wishlist:
- Flyers at the Base coffee shop, barber, social clubs, cinema, and whoever else will display ’em
- A promo video package at the Base Cinema to display during the movie pre-show each week
- Fundraising sausage sizzles
- Gate collections
- Possible article in the RAAF Newspaper
- A brief to my Squadron on Mental Health Awareness
- Spreading the word to my various social groups
- Utilisation of other Social Media platforms like Facebook and/or Instagram
- Purchase travel insurance
- Purchase return flights to Paris and train/bus tickets from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port
So at this stage it’s mostly about getting the word out there. If you want to help me in that regard, feel free to SHARE my blog on your own Socials so I can reach as many people as possible with my Mental Health Awareness message.
Awesome pipeline/wish list. You’ll hit your goal of $5000 for sure!
I hope so. I’ll be walking regardless but it’d sure be nice to use this opportunity to raise some funds for the Black Dog Institute and raise awareness of Mental Health problems. Thanks for your support.
So proud of you Michael an what you’re doing for this worthy cause. Your blog looks great so far and I’m really looking forward to all your updates along the way… the Camino way…
Thanks Mum. It will certainly be an adventure that’s for sure. Excited to be able to take those interested along for the ride as well. And thank-you for your generous donation to the Black Dog Institute.
Hi Michael, congratulations on your successful Camino walk and also on the fine work regarding Black Dog awareness and fundraising, along with your relevant first aid accreditation. Proud of you, well done!❤️