Campaign 2014

Peddling for Domestic Violence Awareness

On September the 6th, local Mareeba woman, Val Mackintosh participated in the Cycle Queensland Adventure Tour cycling from Agnes Waters to Coolum Beach - an incredible 540km over 9 days. Val completed her cycle with the aim of raising some much needed funds for local domestic violence services.

Along with successfully raising over $2,400 for the local services, Val’s genuine passion for the cause meant that her fundraising mission became about much more than just raising funds. “I feel grateful to have met so many people along the way and feel honoured that people chose to share their personal stories of domestic violence with me” Val said. “From the lady I embraced in the bathroom who told me that she escaped domestic violence with $3 in her pocket, to the many men that encouraged me and my mission; I feel blessed and satisfied that I have been able to plant the seed of enlightenment and discussion for domestic violence along my journey.”

After having experienced the impacts of domestic violence within their own family, Val and her husband Keith recognise the significant need for community awareness to assist in identifying the risks and signs for victims and families. “Society needs to pull together, otherwise there will be more beautiful people lost. And that’s an absolute crime”. Val said.

Amanda Lee-Ross, CEO of Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service expressed her immense admiration for Val’s commitment to domestic violence awareness raising as a significant and very relevant issue in our community.

“The motivation to continue my commitment to this cause opens the discussion of domestic violence and exposes the damage of this nightmare that has been pushed under the carpet for far too long” Val said. A key message from Val and Keith is to promote a more cooperative approach within the community. “Raising awareness of the impacts of domestic violence involves a whole community approach including community members, community services, judicial, law enforcement and other systems to be proactive to prevent more lives being lost as a result of domestic violence” Keith said.

Val’s fundraising venture was a great success and Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service and Tablelands Womens Support Service wish to thank Val for her amazing efforts. Val aims to continue and grow her fundraising campaign in the future. To support Val’s ongoing campaign you can make a donation by clicking on the Make a Donation link below.  Donations are used to provide financial and material support to victims experiencing domestic and family violence. Any donation over $2 is tax deductible.

You can still make a donation to help victims of domestic and family violence by clicking on our "Make a Donation" button.