Trekking Kokoda for a cause
WALKING the infamous Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea is fast becoming a kind of pilgrimage for many Australians. Now, retired Jewish businessmen Robert Kohn and Ian Miller are taking up the challenge too, and they are doing it for a good cause.
By Chantal Abitbol
WALKING the infamous Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea is fast becoming a kind of pilgrimage for many Australians. Now, retired Jewish businessmen Robert Kohn and Ian Miller are taking up the challenge too, and they are doing it for a good cause.
The friends -— who will set off on the 96-kilometre track through the Owen Stanley Ranges on July 8 -— are raising money for the Jewish Centre on Ageing (COA). Their goal: to raise $25,000 towards supporting the centre’s services, including its Meals on Wheels program, which delivers around 45,000 subsidised kosher meals to Sydney’s aged and housebound.
“I’m amazed and disturbed by the poverty and loneliness that I have seen among our older folk,” said Kohn, 65, who volunteers at the centre delivering meals three days a week.
“Since I retired, COA has become part of my life. I look upon this arduous and challenging trek as a way to give something back to the community.”
The trail is the renowned site of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces in 1942.It is also famous for its steep and isolated terrain made more treacherous by the region’s humid and wet climate.
Earlier this year during the ANZAC Day trekking season, there were two reported deaths on the trail.
“This is no walk in the park,” admitted Kohn. “Ian and I have been in serious training to complete this physical challenge.”
The pair plans to hike with 13 other trekkers. They estimate it will take nine days to complete the hike.
“Being fit and healthy at 65 is a blessing when I see many people in the community the same age and older who are worse off,” said Kohn. “I hope [our] sponsorship [from] the walk will assist the COA to promote its wonderful work in enriching the lives of Jewish seniors.”
To sponsor Robert Kohn and Ian Miller, email coa@zip.com.au.
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