Emu Trekkers donates first funds to Indigenous Literacy Foundation

By Jody Hammond, Media Officer.

From left to right, Rutty Talati (ET founder) Sharon Galleguillos (ILF), Tristan Harley (ET founder and CEO) and Karen Williams (ILF) at the Emu Trekkers launch night party.

Sydney-based,100% not-for-profit, outdoor adventure operator, Emu Trekkers last night donated $5,000 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) at its launch party. Some 165 people, including volunteers and sponsors, attended the party held at the Sydney Park Pavilion.

Emu Trekker’s first donation, all funds raised in its first three months of operation, was presented to ILF’s Board Member Sharon Galleguillos and Executive Director Karen Williams by Emu Trekkers co-founder and CEO, Tristan Harley and the team of volunteers.

On accepting the donation, Sharon congratulated Emu Trekkers on its fund-raising and thanked the organisation, explaining the huge difference donations made to its work.

Sharon explained:  “Our core business is about providing resources to help Indigenous Australians develop a love of books and at the same time, increase literacy rates. 

“Because many books in the market are not culturally appropriate for remote communities, our process to deliver books is very unique. Every year our selection committee, a group of teachers who have worked in remote communities and book industry experts, work with publishers across Australia to choose a number of titles. 

“The funds from your donation will go towards our Book Supply program, which is our largest program and impacts the most communities. $5,000 will buy more than 700 new culturally relevant books for remote communities that need them.”

Tristan Harley said his organisation was excited to be involved with the ILF. “When we look for charities to support, we not only search for organisations that are making an incredible difference, but we also look for organisations that raise awareness about important social issues in Australia that we can then discuss on our tours to engage our participants. The ILF ticks both these boxes.”