Dhriya

How I Raised $133 for Kokoda (and Why It Was Totally Worth It)

How I Raised $133 for Kokoda (and Why It Was Totally Worth It)

This week, I challenged myself to raise at least $70 for the Kokoda Challenge — and I’m so excited to share that I actually raised $133!

I decided to go the baked goods route (because who doesn’t love a sweet treat, right?). With a bunch of brownies, fudge bites, and mini microwave pizzas ready to go, I headed out into my neighbourhood. One of my teammates came with me — she was quiet but so, so supportive, and honestly, I couldn’t have done it without her. 💛 She walked beside me the whole way while I went up to doors, explained what we were fundraising for, and offered our baked goods to kind people in our community.

Everyone who donated had their name and address written down, and afterward, I carefully packed their orders into little treat pockets and walked around again to deliver them. It was a lot of walking, a lot of talking, and a lot of effort — but every second of it was worth it.

Not just because I passed my goal, but because it reminded me why the Kokoda Challenge is so meaningful. It's about community, teamwork, resilience, and putting yourself out there for something bigger than yourself.

Thank you to everyone who donated, to my lovely teammate who came along with me, and to the Kokoda Youth Foundation for giving us the chance to do something that really matters. 🥾💛

The Ups and Downs of Kokoda

The Ups and Downs of Kokoda

The Kokoda Challenge is full of hills — both the literal kind and the ones you can’t see on a map.

There are the uphill climbs that burn your legs and make you wonder if you’ve taken one step too many. And then there are the quiet downhill stretches, where your breath slows and the trees open up just enough to let sunlight in.

Training has taught me that both are important. The hard parts build strength. The easier parts remind you why you keep going.

Sometimes, I feel unstoppable. Other times, I feel tired before I even begin. But with every step — uphill or down — I’m learning more about myself, my teammates, and what it means to commit to something bigger than comfort.

The Kokoda Challenge isn’t just a hike. It’s a journey of endurance, resilience, and growth. And every dollar I raise helps another young person face their own hills, knowing they don’t have to climb alone.

More Than Just a Hike: The Power of Teamwork

More Than Just a Hike: The Power of Teamwork

One of the most unexpected parts of the Kokoda Challenge has been how much it relies on teamwork. I knew it would be physically demanding, but I didn’t realise how important it would be to stay connected, support each other, and move as one group.

Unlike other challenges that are focused on individual achievement, Kokoda reminds you that no one does it alone — just like the soldiers on the original Kokoda Track, who relied on each other every step of the way. Our team trains together, encourages each other through tough moments, and celebrates small wins (like making it up a massive hill without stopping!).

It’s not just about being strong — it’s about being there for others.

That’s also what the Kokoda Youth Foundation is all about: giving young Australians the tools, support, and encouragement to grow into resilient, confident individuals. And I’m proud to be walking, training, and fundraising to support that mission.

Why the Kokoda Challenge Still Matters

Why the Kokoda Challenge Still Matters

The Kokoda Challenge isn’t just a fitness event — it’s a tribute to history, and a reminder of the strength that lies in community and character. Inspired by the soldiers who fought along the Kokoda Track in 1942, the challenge is built on four core values: courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice.

As a student, I’ve learned about these values in class. But training for this event has given me a much deeper understanding of what they actually mean. It’s one thing to read about resilience — it’s another to feel it during the fifth kilometre of a steep bushwalk.

By taking on the Kokoda Challenge, I’m not just building fitness. I’m learning how to support others, stay committed through discomfort, and appreciate what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. The money I raise supports the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s programs for young Australians, helping others discover their own potential, just like I am now.

This challenge is difficult — but that’s exactly why it’s meaningful.

Training for Kokoda: Challenging, Rewarding, and Worth Every Step

Training for Kokoda: Challenging, Rewarding, and Worth Every Step

Preparing for the Kokoda Challenge has been a unique and meaningful experience. The training has definitely been demanding — early mornings, long distances, and plenty of sore muscles. But it has also been incredibly rewarding.

I’ve learned that pushing past your comfort zone is where real growth happens. Each training session has helped me build physical strength, mental resilience, and a stronger sense of teamwork. Even when it’s tough, I remind myself why I’m doing this: to support the Kokoda Youth Foundation and the life-changing programs they offer for young Australians.

This challenge is inspired by the spirit of the Kokoda Track — courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice. Through this journey, I’ve come to appreciate those values more deeply, and I’m proud to be walking in the footsteps of that legacy.

The training may be difficult at times, but every step is for a greater purpose. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of something that makes a real difference, and I hope you’ll support my fundraising efforts to help empower more young people across Australia.