Participants in the inaugural Amnesty Margaret River Refugee Rations Challenge gathered outside Riverfresh IGA on Saturday to take collection of their rations kits.
The kits, which are provided with support from the supermarket, are based on the same rations a Syrian refugee would eat over a five-day period while living in a UN refugee camp.
Rations Challenge team member Lyn Serventy said the challenge was a reminder of the position most people find themselves in.
“While I am not looking forward to this at all, I can keep reminding myself that I have a future after this challenge of being able to enjoy rich and nourishing food,” she said.
“Refugees don't have that benefit but we can help them to find it."
The team aims to collectively raise $5,000 through sponsored donations, and will survive on the rations for the five days during refugee week, commencing next Monday, June 19.
Challenger Sam James said he “mixed emotions” about taking up the challenge.
“I'm wondering how I am going to cope without some of those daily items I take for granted, that morning coffee is going to be hard to give up,” he said.
Amnesty Margaret River’s Rod Whittle said the support from local business owners, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and members of the public was heartwarming.
While I am not looking forward to this at all, I can keep reminding myself that I have a future after this challenge of being able to enjoy rich and nourishing food.
- Lyn Serventy, Rations Challenger
“From the Shire President, Deputy and Councillors, to employees, local business owners and the broader community the response to the challenge has been overwhelming,” Mr Whittle said.
“Forty locals have signed up for the challenge, and we now ask the community to dig in and support the courage of the team by donating to the challenge team, or paying the odd fine if they ‘slip up’ and sneak in a coffee or a glass of wine.
Donations can be made online via www.givenow.com.au/caradamnestymargaretriver or by cash to any one of the Team Members.
To track how the team members are surviving during their five day challenge visit www.facebook.com/AmnestyMargRiver/