Maria Smith

I have embarked on an intensive training course for a 135km trek in WA this March. This will be a challenging five days both physically and mentally and is all in the name of raising funds for a cause close to my heart – the LifeChanger Foundation.

The driving force behind the vision for LifeChanger comes from an alarming set of statistics;

• Youth suicide is the number 1 killer of young Australians;
• 1 in 6 kids (7 - 15 yrs) has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder;
• 1 teenager in every classroom has a gambling addiction;
• 1 in 4 leave the education system prematurely;
• 50% increase in hospital admissions because of children self-harming between 2010 and 2015;
• 1 in 5 kids have deliberately sniffed inhalants (12 - 17 yrs);
• 38% of adolescents consume alcohol weekly (14+ yrs);
• 50% of teenagers experience cyber bullying;
• 1 in 4 kids are overweight or obese (5 - 17 yrs).

Not one of these statistics is improving. Not one.

The LifeChanger Foundation is on an epic mission to turn these stats around and create a generational shift in society. LifeChanger believes that by providing young Australians with the tools to develop a positive self-identity they will be empowered to live their best life.

The LifeChanger program develops an adolescent's self-identity by nurturing the individual across five key pillars;

Wellbeing, Life-Skills, Self-Awareness, Purpose & Meaning and Connections

LifeChanger's revolutionary approach will give every young Australian unprecedented access to programs within their community and a first-of-its-kind digital platform providing a pathway to their best life. Moreover, the digital platform and community engagement will mean ongoing, responsive support.

I am investing significant time, energy and money into this cause because I firmly believe our kids deserve better. I don’t want any of our kids to be another statistic.

My mission is to raise $10,000 to add to my personal contribution and I would love it if you would help by sponsoring me with a donation.

We know something has to change. LifeChanger is that change.

LifeChanger is a Tier 1 DGR Status Charity. All donations are tax deductible.

Check out some testimonials from LCC1:

JANET FRANZMANN

The last 2 years of my life has been very challenging. I fought cancer & won amongst extreme adversity but nothing challenged me more than our LC trek to Tasmania. I have made lifelong friends and have a new lease on life after spending 5 days with the most incredible people I have ever met. Thank you

ROBBIE KEARNS

After spending 5 days in the Wild South West of Tassie with 20 amazing people in what can only be described as challenging conditions I found out more about myself in these 5 days than I have in the previous 45 years of my life. I was taken to the edge both physically and mentally many times during the 89kms but the positive attitude coming from my fellow trekkers was nothing short of amazing. Was it fun… NO. Was it rewarding, Absolutely. The woman on the trip have taken the meaning of the word resilience to a whole new level…. AMAZING. Personally I got so much out of the 5 days. It has definitely been a life Changing experience for me. I cant wait to be part of the Life Changing team that will help change the lives of the youth of Australia.