27 September 2016 - Opportunity International Australia is excited to announce that young Australian, Christopher Bailey, has reached the last 800 kilometres of his gruelling 4,300 kilometre trek known as Stride the Divide. Through Stride the Divide Chris is raising funds to give families in India the opportunity to free themselves from poverty.

Chris arrived in Washington State on the weekend after walking along the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico. The Trail was made famous by Reese Witherspoon’s 2014 movie, Wild, and is known for its perilous terrain and unforgiving climate.

Opportunity Chief Executive Officer, Robert Dunn, thanked Chris for his immensely valuable contribution. “Chris’ efforts will result in hundreds of families in India receiving small loans to start a business, earn regular incomes and start the journey out of poverty.

“Chris is well on the way to achieving his goal of raising $100,000 for families living in poverty. Let’s all give him a hand up to reach his target by the end of the walk.

“Melbourne will roll out the red carpet for Chris with the fun run, Stride the Divide, on 14 October 2016, when he arrives back in Australia. We hope that his fellow Melburnians will join Chris to celebrate his safe return and support families living in poverty,” he added.

Chris is looking forward to achieving his fundraising goal and returning home to a delicious chicken parmigiana. Reflecting on his walk he said: “Being at the last leg of my journey, I think it's hard not to look back and reflect on what has happened over the past four and a half months.

“I've walked across deserts and mountains and everything in between, and seen landscapes that leave you speechless.

“Equally, I have witnessed the best side of our collective humanity and seen examples of immense generosity and concern for fellow man.

“Stride the Divide has now evolved into a fun run that we hope to hold annually for Opportunity. What I'm most excited about is the fact that we have been able to create something where others can become involved and participate in Opportunity’s social mission,” Chris says.

You can keep track of the final leg of Chris’ trek on Instagram or Facebook @stridethedivide or visit www.stridethedivide.com.au.

For more information on the Melbourne Stride the Divide fun run, click here.

Media Contact

Marie Kelly-Davies
Media and Communications Manager
Opportunity International Australia
02 9270 3332; 0408 256 381
mkelly-davies@opportunity.org