Emily's Trek for Rights 2025

By Emily Schultz

Why I'm fundraising for women and girls in crisis

In October 2023, I became a mum to my daughter Harper. The recent conflict in Palestine began two weeks before her birth. When Harper arrived, a human rights disaster that was already horrifying took on an even deeper meaning. Motherhood connects you to other mums and their children.

UNICEF have called Gaza the ‘most dangerous place to be a child’. Beyond Gaza, There are 614 million women and girls living in conflict affected areas today. From Palestine to Ukraine, Haiti, Sudan, and Afghanistan, their numbers are going up, as geopolitical conflicts, climate change, health and food crises intensify.

I'm taking part in Trek for Rights 2025 to raise vital funds to support UN Women's efforts, in partnership with local women’s organisations , to provide critical services hope, and a lifeline to women and girls in war-torn countries and communities affected by natural disasters. 

Why are you taking a trip, why don’t you simply fundraise?

When I saw the UN Trek for Rights trip, it ticked many boxes, not least because I must hit a fundraising goal of $3000 for UN Women to go to NZ and trek the South Island. It would keep me motivated and focused during a period of my life when I’m still adjusting to this new ‘schedule’ of parenthood (aka. A lot less free time!). I want to make the most of that time for myself and others.

When you become a Mother, you also have to be efficient. I have some other goals for myself with this trip. Anyone who knows me understands that mountains and bushwalking are my happy place. Physical fitness keeps me grounded. I’m not going to lie; I’ve found it hard to access those things that make me ‘me’ in this first year of parenthood. And, as cliché as it might sound, setting a positive example and living my values through action is something I want Harper to see as she grows up.

To achieve my goal I need 60 people to contribute $50.00. Of course, whatever you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. I would appreciate if you would consider contributing to the cause.

**All funds raised go to UN Women. I pay for my travel expenses personally. ** 

**Unfortunately, if you're in Canada, I can't issue a tax receipt. However, I'd be grateful if you would consider a small gift in support**

My Achievements

Thank You

$322.83

Carole Wark

Go strong Em for this fabulous cause!

$263.75

Les Wark

Great work, enjoy

$211

Anonymous

Great work Emily

$211

John And Róisín Pengelly

Such a worthwhile cause, Em 🍉

$200

Ruchard

$158.25

Thomas Schultz

Proud of you. Love Dad and Debbie

$158.25

Colleen O’connells

Good for you!

$129.76

Amy Shipp

Go strong, Emily! Love Amy, Dylan, Emily, Olive, Maeve and Violet!

$129.76

Erin Mcmullen

I am still buying Harper a big annoying loud present one day.....

$129.76

Bradley Palmer

$105.50

Beth, Don, Fionn And Hola

Go Em!

$105.50

Greg Stewart

$93.90

Amy J

Good work, Em!

$79.13

Tom And Jess

Happy birthday, Harper!

$79.13

Jt Stokesbury

$79.13

Geoff Farnsworth

Go Emily!

$79.13

Anthony Abdallah

$52.75

Adeline Regnault

$52.75

Malin Ekberg

$52.75

Kirsten Arne

This is a donation on behalf of gorgeous little Harper on her 1st birthday. xox

$52.75

Michelle Vanderzon

Proud of you!

$52.75

Joyce Teng

Such a worthy cause. Go Emily!

$52.75

Emma Boult

$52.75

Kristy Chapman

$52.75

Alfie Gail

Go get it Em!!! Love Gail and alfie xx

$52.75

Cassia

Happy to support a great cause, well done Em xx

$52.75

Kirsty

Yess!!!

$52.75

Noynoy Sisneros

Go for it!

$52.75

Shane Deering

Best of luck with the trek!

$52.75

Josh Wallace

Love your work, Emily! Best of luck with it!!

$50

Hutch

Best of luck - enjoy.

$40.09

Jess Shonk

Good luck with trek Em and your vulnerability and honesty in your insta post was beautiful. 😀

$40.09

Jan Siteman

Wonderful fundraiser.

$40.09

Tony Pittorino

Good luck Emily

$40.09

Allan Goldsworthy

$40.09

Lynne O'connell

So very proud of you Emily. You are and will be a wonderful role model to Harper Helen. Your beautiful message and values are uplifting. Love Aunt Lynne

$26.38

Nicole Macdonald

Supporting moms!

$21.10

Margaret Donnellan

$10.55

Jennifer Napier

Love your reasons for doing this and love your big heart. Good luck!! Xo