VOLUNTEER WORK LEADS TO COMMUNITY activism

A local couple living in Indonesia have shaved and donated their locks as part of a fundraiser campaign to rebuild a neglected children’s soccer field in Semper, Jakarta.

Sarah Bredebusch (Torquay) and Angus Coverdale (Geelong) made the move to Indonesia roughly 18 months ago when Angus began working for Australian company International Internships.

After spending a season on the slopes of Mt Buller as a ski instructor, Sarah was determined to take on a volunteer project.

“I started volunteering in 2017 with Indonesian Street Children Organisation (ISCO), a non-profit social organization  with a focus on education for marginalised children,” Sarah said.

“The idea for the project came about after starting up a business with my parents in Torquay, Cayarah – Unique Home Living. The business sees me buying homewares and furniture from around Indonesia and sending it to Australia. It was at this time that I realized I wanted to do more to give back to Australia’s closest neighbours.”

Pitching the idea to ISCO was a success, with the organisation jumping on board to help restore Semper’s severely flood-damaged soccer field.

“The soccer field has become wasted space, a swamp full of rubbish. The biggest health hazard is the risk of mosquito borne diseases, including dengue and malaria,” Sarah said.

“Creating the soccer field is not just a healthy outlet for the children in the Semper district, but it will also provide them with another means to keep off the streets.”

Having raised over $3,000 in the space of one month, Sarah is overwhelmed to be nearing her $7,000 goal.

“I am so proud of Sarah for taking on this project,” Angus said.

“When she told me she was going to shave her head, it was an easy decision for me to make the commitment and shave my head in support.”

The couple will be donating their hair to charities Wigs4Kids and Locks of Love.

To donate to Sarah’s cause, visit gofundme.com/keep-the-isco-kids-off-the-streets.