In February next year, Mr Olsen will take part in the Trek for My Rafiki – a n epic run around the South Island of New Zealand.

The Trek for My Rafiki will raise funds for the charity Rafiki Mwema  (which means loyal friend) which works to break the cycle of abuse for children in Kenya.

No stranger to fundraising, Mr Olsen had previously undertaken two fundraising runs for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and said when the opportunity to help out Rafiki Mwema came about, he jumped at the chance.

“This will be my third fundraiser trek where previously I had raised over $10,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter,” he said.

“This time when I was asked to come along for this challenge and fundraiser I knew it was the right thing to do to support these Australians trying to give these children a decent life.”

Mr Olsen added that he received a welcome boost from Health Baird from Baird Real Estate  who offered him a $1000 donation as well as paying for the walking shirts.

“It’s such a fantastic gesture from Health and the team, a small business in Cessnock,” Mr Olsen said.

Mr Olsen said that he aimed to raise $5000 for the cause with the 12-strong contingent of Australian trekkers aiming for $75,000.

To donate visit https://rafikimwema-nz-2019.everydayhero.com/au/ian-olsen