Damian Stevens tackles 16-day Larapinta Trail hike to raise money for UNICEF Australia

A West Aussie – with a penchant for giving back – has come to the Red Centre on his latest fundraising mission. Find out more.

West Australian Damian Stevens is tackling the Larapinta trail in August to raise money for UNICEF Australia.

An experienced trekker – who says he has completed the Kokoda Trail twice – is gearing up for his next challenge: a 16-day trek on one of the most popular Red Centre trails.

Western Australian Damian Stevens said he would walk the 220km Larapinta Trail – but it’s not all for bragging rights, as he plans to raise money for UNICEF Australia while he’s at it.

“I have been aware of UNICEF since I was at school and have been a regular donor during my working years,” he said.

“This time I will be able to make a larger contribution by fundraising to support UNICEF Australia with its work for children locally and abroad.”

West Australian Damian Stevens says he’s previously completed the Kokoda Trail twice.

He said he planned to complete the trail in 16 days, and would have done it earlier – had Covid not disrupted his plans.

“I was booked to trek Larapinta in 2020 however it was cancelled due to Covid,” he said.

“So, I have been looking forward to this opportunity even more, given the longer waiting time.

“I am passionate about the natural environment and like to bushwalk outdoors as part of healthy living and I like to challenge myself with a longer trek every few years and to fundraise for charity.”

So far he’s raised $2,400 for UNICEF Australia, while in the past he’s completed fundraising treks on the Kokoda Trail and the Cape to Cape track in WA – trekking both tracks twice.

UNICEF Australia chief executive Tony Stuart said individual fundraising efforts – such as those being undertaken by Mr Stevens – were part of what made UNICEF a “powerful force” which reaches “all corners of the world”.

“It’s so wonderful to see our supporters create their own unique fundraising challenges, motivated by their determination to make an impact to the children who need it most,” Mr Stuart said.

Originally published as Damian Stevens tackles 16-day Larapinta Trail hike to raise money for UNICEF Australia