Kalina Batchelor is on a mission to raise funds for, and awareness of the work Women Illawarra does, through charity TV show Adventure All Stars. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Illawarra mum-of-six Kalina Batchelor has the opportunity to go on the adventure of a lifetime – and support a good cause.
A domestic violence survivor, Kalina knows how crucial services like Women Illawarra are.
When she heard about the charity TV series Adventure All Stars she was determined to give back to the organisation that’s given so much to her.
“Adventure All Stars is a philanthropic organisation that raises funds for charities in 195 countries,” she said.
“That’s up from 25 countries last year, so they’ve gone gangbusters this year.
“If we raise a minimum of $10,000 we get whisked away on a six-day adventure to an undisclosed place.
“You tour around and do activities in the mystery location, so you boost the local economy as well as your chosen charity.”
Kalina has three children who are still at home, including two who have autism and ADHD.
She said it was important to role model for them what it meant to give back – and show them she’s not “just Mum”.
“We’ve been through domestic violence ourselves and I think it’s something really important; I want to make a difference,” she said.
“With three young children at home, it can get pretty full-on, so this is something just for me.
“My children just see me as Mum and I want them to remember me as something more, and raise as much money for Women Illawarra as possible.
“The adventure is a bonus – I’d do it anyway.”
The show, which is airing on 7plus at the moment, covers the costs of filming through fundraising, with all additional revenue going to selected charities.
Five women are currently fundraising for Women Illawarra.
General manager Michelle Glasgow said she was overwhelmed by the support for the not-for-profit.
“It’s such a courageous thing for Kalina to do out of the situation she’s been in,” Michelle said.
“It shows how strong she is, to bring attention not just to Women Illawarra but to her own story.
“It feels like a full circle moment; women come to us vulnerable and in need of support and for them to come back and feel empowered enough to put themselves out there, it’s inspiring.
“It’s really lovely to know we are having an impact in the community and that what we do is so meaningful people want to be able to give back, so we want to support them in doing that as much as possible.”
To support Kalina’s Adventure All Stars campaign – and Women Illawarra – there are a few different ways to donate.
You can head online here: Kalina Batchelor – Women Illawarra (raisely.com); or through the banner at the top of the Women Illawarra website: Women Illawarra.
If you’ve just got a bit of spare change – and a hungry tummy – head to Grill’d, which has a fundraising jar out for Kalina this month.
You can also keep an eye out on Kalina’s Instagram page: Kalina Batchelor (@kalinabatchelor).
Women Illawarra’s Facebook page will promote any upcoming fundraising events for Kalina’s campaign.
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