Sights set on Kokoda

AN ARTICLE published in Australian newspapers two years ago inspired Nathan Spitalnic to trek along the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, to raise funds for the Australian charity, 20th Man Fund.

“The article was regarding the lack of funding for the charity 20th Man Fund compared to other Australian charities. They were the underdogs and I appreciate the underdog status. I’ve always felt like an underdog myself,” he said.

Not wanting the beneficiaries of the charity – disadvantaged children from Melbourne’s western suburbs – to go without, Spitalnic, 25, committed to intense training, in preparation for the trek, which gets under way this month.

He keeps a strict excercise schedule and often tackles the 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk at Mount Dandenong as early as 3am. The PNG trek will last eight days, yet due to shoulder and back injuries, Spitalnic will require a porter to help in his journey.

It was the desire for a positive mental and physical challenge, as well as garnering financial support for 20th Man Fund that prompted the intrepid trekker.

“I’m living my dream while also helping out because this charity organisation is worthwhile. There’s more that happens on the other side of the bridge and I think it gets largely neglected,” he said.

Spitalnic specifically opted to support a non-Jewish ­charity. “In my opinion, people get overlooked due to preference towards religion end at the end of the day, if you’re on the street you’re on the street, doesn’t matter if you’re Jewish or Christian.”

Spitalnic said his continuing concern for the disadvantaged mirrored the values inculcated throughout his upbringing. “I was always brought up to try and take care of people. My parents always instilled in me a sense of morality, encouraged me to take care of those around me.”

Spitalnic revealed to The AJN that he had suffered “personal battles” in recent years, from which he emerged with indomitable loyalty to his friends and family. “I drew on all that I learnt in my life. I drew on the friends around me and I thought: there’s got to be more to life than this.

“Taking care of people is fundamental to every religion, taking care of people is more valuable, more financially rewarding than you will ever realise – true happiness will come from taking care of others.”

He hopes to raise up to $5000 from the trek and is arranging to ink the names of all donors on a small scroll, which he plans to carry with him on the hike. The scroll will be returned to the 20th Man Fund institution, and donors contributing more than $100 will receive a video of the trek.

To help Nathan raise funds for the 20th Man Fund from his trek, contact him at nathanspitalnic@hotmail.com or call him on 0433 115 194.

TIMNA JACKS