Teenager raises hundreds for survivors of domestic violence
Unity College student Neko Schoenau has started a public conversation and contributed to supporting others in a big way.
This story is free to read. Help Murray Bridge News tell more stories like this by subscribing today.
A Murray Bridge teenager has raised more than $1000 for domestic violence services with an event he organised as part of his school studies.
Several dozen people attended Neko Schoenau’s Ride and Strive for Hope at Johnstone Park last Wednesday.
They guessed at the number of lollies in jars, bought raffle tickets and sausages, and they walked and rode laps of the oval to aid in the fundraising effort.
Most encouraging to Neko was a surprise appearance by one of his heroes: Kai Martin, the anti-violence campaigner who raised more than $67,000 with his own fundraising ultramarathon earlier this year.
By the time they went home again, they had netted hundreds of dollars more for the Zahra Foundation, an Adelaide-based charity which helps women and children rebuild their lives after escaping abusive relationships.
Organisations like that made a huge difference in people’s lives, Neko said.
His mission to help them was a deeply personal one, he revealed: he, his mum and his brother had themselves fled a violent household years ago.
“I was young, but I remember not having a lot,” he said.
“We were left homeless, and everything we had was left behind.
“My mum worked so hard and made it look easy while we slept on mattresses on the floor for months.
“This fundraiser is about ... making sure no-one has to start from zero like we did.”
Mr Martin described Neko as an inspiration.
“At the age of 15, to do something like this and to speak publicly (about his experiences) … is amazing,” he said.
“I’m also very happy to know that other young males are interested in this topic and want to do something to help the community.”
The foundation’s Bec Miller thanked Neko and the community for their support.
The funds they had raised would help provide financial counselling, small grants and educational programs that would help women rebuild their confidence and work their way back towards employment or further study.
She hoped the foundation would be able to run some of those programs in Murray Bridge again in future.
“My mum always told me silence is domestic violence’s best friend,” Neko said.
“If I can help just one person find their voice and break that silence, everything I’m doing will be worth it.”
- Donate: Visit zahrafoundation.supporterhub.net.au.
- Get help: Visit the Haven at Murray Bridge Community Centre between 9am and 4pm on weekdays, or the DVINA Centre at 1 Standen Street, Murray Bridge; call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 737 732, or Murray Mallee Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service on 8228 8960; or, in an emergency, dial 000.
