Scaling skyscrapers for charity
Bondi’s Kellie Anderson is preparing to take a big plunge for charity.
The 29-year-old will be abseiling down the 87-metre AMP Building as part of Sydney’s first Urban Descent challenge to raise money for the Sir David Martin Foundation (SDMF).
Anderson, an employee at AMP Capital Investors, signed up for the challenge to champion the Foundation’s mission to help young Australians overcome homelessness and violence to lead healthier, happier lives.
“It’s not too often that an opportunity to abseil off a Sydney city building comes along,” she said. “Anything we can do to help get these young people’s lives back on track – including abseiling down a building – we should.”
Volunteering for a good cause is nothing new for Anderson, who regularly supplies Oz Harvest with leftover cakes and slices from her Bondi bakery. But she admits that tackling a 26-storey skyscraper is out of the ordinary.
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to do something outside my comfort zone. Unfortunately I couldn’t convince any of my colleagues to participate but they have all been very supportive and generous in their donations.”
Earlier this year, Australian comedian Kitty Flanagan braved the skyscraper to launch the project in Sydney. A team of experts and Australia’s most accomplished mountaineer, SDMF ambassador Andrew Lock, will be on hand to support the thrill-seekers at the event.
Urban Descent aims to raise $150,000 to support the SDMF’s youth in crisis projects, including their award-winning Triple Care Farm where young people aged 16 to 24 suffering alcohol and drug abuse re-build their lives.
“It’s very easy to go about your own day, worry about your own problems and forget what is really going on in the community,” Anderson says.
“Everyone deserves to have the same opportunities in life and the Foundation is helping this become a reality.”
The event will be held on Friday October 22 at the AMP Building, Circular Quay. To donate or take part in the challenge, visit http://urbandescent.gofundraise.com.au/.
– By Sheenal Singh
