The Gill Waminda Aged Care Plus Centre Holds Walkathon Event

Gill Waminda Aged Care Plus Centre in Goulburn, New South Wales, is celebrating its exceptional contribution to The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus' annual Walkathon initiative, with figures released today revealing the Centre raised $300 towards the final tally for The Freedom Partnership, The Salvation Army's national initiative to end modern day slavery in Australia.

Gill Waminda Aged Care Plus Centre Manager, Otto Mahlaba, said their Walkathon event helped bring awareness to the issue of modern day slavery in Australia amongst the residents and staff.

"Not many people are aware that slavey is a current issue in society, which makes it important for us all to band together and support those who need it the most," Otto said.

"Residents and staff of Gill Waminda Aged Care Plus Centre were so proud to get together in support of this issue, and raise funds to help alleviate modern slavery in Australia through The Freedom Partnership," Otto continued.

The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus has partnered with The Freedom Partnership for three years. In this time, it has hosted 60 Walkathon events spanning the eastern seaboard of Australia, raising a grand total of $240,000. The Walkathon events over this time sought to unite residents, clients, families, staff and the community to support The Freedom Partnership in its mission to end modern day slavery.

Aged Care Plus Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Callister reflects on Aged Care Plus' collaboration with The Freedom Partnership and its unwavering commitment to serve suffering humanity.

"We're incredibly proud to have partnered with The Freedom Partnership for the past three years, generating awareness and raising significant funds for the worthy cause. We are committed to supporting disadvantaged communities, in which The Freedom Partnership allowed us to exert our commitment and contribute to building a supportive society for all," Sharon said.

According to the Global Slavery Index (2016), 45.8 million men, women and children around the world are currently enslaved, including approximately 4,300 people in Australia.

The Freedom Partnership exists to support and empower victims of exploitation and slavery in Australia, making services such as shelter, transport, food and medical care available when it is needed most. The Freedom Partnership also seeks to engage with and mobilise communities, businesses and government to recognise and take action to end modern slavery in Australia.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Lesa Gale, Manager Victim Based Crime, speaks of the importance of binding together as a community to end modern day slavery.

"Preventing Human Trafficking and Slavery is a priority for the AFP and requires action and collaboration from all aspects of the community, Non-Government Organisations, Law Enforcement and Government Agencies. I would like to commend those that participated in the 2017 Walkathon.

"The AFP has worked with The Salvation Army Freedom Partnership for a number of years and we are proud to support their initiatives in raising funds to help support survivors of Human Trafficking and Slavery," Commander Gale said.

Aged Care Plus' preceding fundraising efforts for The Freedom Partnership have had a significant impact on those subject to modern slavery. Funds raised through the Walkathon efforts have enabled the provision of emergency food assistance to 30 exploited foreign farm works, a family reunification grant was provided to a man who was trafficked for domestic servitude to bring his children to Australia after four years of separation and emergency material assistance for a woman with four children after she was eradicated from slavery.

The Freedom Partnership National Manager, Jenny Stanger comments on the Walkathon's success year on year in the fight to end modern day slavery.

"The Walkathon initiative has continued to grow from strength to strength, and we're truly overwhelmed with its contribution. To every person and community around Australia that has been involved with the Walkathon, we cannot thank you enough and want you to know that you have all contributed to rebuilding someone's life after suffering from modern day slavery," Jenny said.