HEARING the plight of children forced into sex slavery around the world got Shane Orchard so upset he put his foot down.
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And he will continue putting his foot down several thousand times later this year as he walks for 300km along beaches from Eden to Ulladulla raising money for Destiny Rescue.
The Shoalhaven Anglican School chaplain hopes to raise $10,000 before and during his trek from October 31 to November 9, during which he plans to walk 30km a day along beaches wherever possible.
The idea for the walk was born earlier this year when Destiny Rescue founder Tony Kirwan spoke at the Shoalhaven Anglican School in Milton.
Destiny Rescue is focused on rescuing children from slavery, mostly used as sex slaves, in countries around the world.
Once rescued, the children are sheltered and cared for, educated and given a chance to create lives free of violence and persecution.
“It’s an amazing organisation and they do some fantastic work,” Shane said.
A lot changed the night of the talk, including Shane deciding to sponsor one of the Destiny Rescue children.
“I was really convicted by what Tony said,” he explained.
“From there I had the idea to go on an adventure and raise money along the way.”
Shane said he was “really excited” by the walk, and “having a goal bigger than yourself”.
However he conceded, “It’s going to be hard, and I know I’ll have to really push myself”.
However the father of two will not be completely alone on the journey.
Already some of the SAS students have volunteered to take part in sections of the walk, while they have also been helping with the fund-raising.
Shane is looking to partner with local businesses to bolster his fund-raising, while more events are being planned to bring in more funds to support Destiny Rescue.
People can pledge their support via the website www.everydayhero.com.au/
event/walkagainstslavery, or through the Walk Against Slavery Facebook page.