Paddle for Participation – a fundraiser story

This story comes from Fiona Morgan at Revesby Uniting Church.

 

This is Barry. He lives in Sydney, loves his job with Uniting. Kayaking down the Georges River brings him joy.
This is Raj. He lives on the west coast of Sri Lanka, loves his job as a motor bike mechanic. Dancing brings him joy. Raj, who has Down Syndrome, needed some extra help at school and when he was completing his apprenticeship as a motorbike mechanic. The support he received from UnitingWorld partners in Sri Lanka mean that Raj is now able to do what he loves – in his work and his leisure time.

At Revesby Uniting Church, we place great value on welcoming and celebrating everyone. This Lent, our community chose to raise funds for UnitingWorld’s partners in Sri Lanka, who run community-based rehabilitation programs that support people including Raj.

Our thinking… why not use the things that bring us joy to raise funds that will allow others, in Sri Lanka, to do what brings them joy? Paddle for Participation was created!

During Lent, Barry kayaked 20km up the Georges River to raise funds for UnitingWorld, cheered on all the way by our community.

People gave so generously, raising $4000 over the 40 days of Lent. And because we highly value connection, conversation and hospitality at Revesby Uniting, our community celebrated the Paddle for Participation with a picnic together on beautiful Bidjigal land.

Photo credit: Ian Bertram

   

You can set up your own fundraiser for UnitingWorld. Find out how here!