This year at Riverwood Trail Run I am really excited to be supporting BackTrack Youth Works. I have a big long-term goal with an amazing friend Mel Hanlon, to bring this style of program to the Hunter Region where it is desperately needed.
BackTrack enable young people who have lost their way to reconnect with education and training, become work ready and secure meaningful employment. Most importantly they get young people "back on track" by developing strong, happy and healthy foundations that result in positive life pathways and full participation in their communities.
One of the programs these guys have and that I absolutely love is called PawsUp
PawsUp is part of BackTrack's heart and soul, and they are very well-known across the country for their incredible dogs that form a part of the program. The dogs provide young people with a strong sense of safety and comfort. Their four-legged friends are incredible companions. They don't judge and are great listeners. This results in really deep connections forming between the young people and the dogs and most importantly, life-long lessons in trust, self-discipline and a growth in self-confidence.
All things going to plan the founder Bernie Shakeshaft, kids and dogs will be at Riverwood this year to show you all how incredible the connection is between the dogs and kids, and what they can do on those high jumps.
I hope to one day to be able to bring rescue dogs together with a similar program to the Hunter Region.
As the ambassador for Down Under 135mi event, I am using this to raise money on a Go Fund Me page
https://www.gofundme.com/
I would really appreciate if you could share the Go Fund Me link and message around to family and friends who are unable to attend Riverwood Trail Run
