Not-for-profit outdoor adventure operator Emu Trekkers has donated $5000 to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
The new company has only been going three months, raising much of the money during hikes in the Blue Mountains.
Founded by Rutty Talati and Tristan Harley from Sydney, Emu Trekkers offers a variety of walks run by volunteer guides in the national parks of Sydney and the Blue Mountains. All proceeds raised currently support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
Foundation board member Sharon Galleguillos said the donations make a huge difference.
“Our core business is about providing resources to help Indigenous Australians develop a love of books and at the same time increase literacy rates,” she said.
“Because many books in the market are not culturally appropriate for remote communities, our process to deliver books is very unique. Every year our selection committee, a group of teachers who have worked in remote communities and book industry experts, work with publishers across Australia to choose a number of titles.
“The funds from the donation will go towards our book supply program, which is our largest program and impacts the most communities. $5000 will buy more than 700 new culturally relevant books for remote communities that need them.”
Emu Trekkers’ volunteer guides come from all walks of life, sharing their love of the outdoors and Australia’s natural environment.
Inspiration for the venture came from an experience the founders had during their honeymoon, trekking volcanoes in Nicaragua in 2016, with a group that raised money for local children. They returned to Australia with a desire to create a similar program here.
