14 October 2016– Opportunity International Australia is excited to announce that young Australian, Christopher Bailey, has safely arrived back in Australia, after trekking 4,300 kilometres to raise funds to help families in India free themselves from poverty. Melbourne will welcome Chris home today with a fun run, Stride the Divide. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be added to the $80,000 Chris has already raised through his gruelling trek.

Opportunity's Chief Executive Officer, Robert Dunn, warmly thanked Chris for his immense achievement. “Chris’ efforts will result in hundreds of families in India receiving small loans to start a business, earn regular incomes and free themselves from 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 fun run,” he added.

Chris is relishing precious time with his family and friends, clean dry clothes, sleeping in a bed and delicious food since his arrival in Melbourne yesterday. He feels deeply humbled and grateful to have safely completed his journey and for the support he has received from around the world. “The backing of so many people and the privilege of witnessing so much beauty has left me feeling so full that I might burst at the seams.

“To know that the families Opportunity serves have benefitted from this experience makes it all the more satisfying.

“Rain, snow, wind and cold were daily obstacles I had to overcome on the walk. Being cold and wet for prolonged periods of time was difficult to endure but for me it was only temporary. These conditions affect everything, from clarity of thought to quality of sleep.

“Arriving at the Canadian border was bizarre. It was strange to come to the end of something so personally testing so unceremoniously. All I had to greet me was a wooden post marking the line between the two countries. It was a perfect way to finish, the stillness of the woods and the personal satisfaction in knowing I had made it.

“I'm most looking forward to seeing friends and family at today’s fun run.” he exclaimed.

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

You can see Chris’ trek on YouTube, Instagram @stridethedivide, Facebook or www.stridethedivide.com.au.

Media contact

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