Charlee’s Running to Stop Slavery
Charlee Dornom was shocked to discover teenage girls her age are forced to marry and that children even younger are forced to work on cocoa plantations with little hope of an education. It prompted her to run 10km for ACRATH in last year’s Run Melbourne. This year Charlee, a Year 11 student at Padua College in Mornington wants to do more to support these vulnerable young people so she’s running a half marathon in the event on Sunday July 13. She needs your support.
Charlee first heard about forced marriage last year when an ACRATH member spoke at a Mercy Education State Seeds of Justice Leadership Camp in Templestowe, Victoria, which she attended as a member of her school’s social justice team.
“I was saddened by the exploitation of children and to hear that this is happening right here in our own backyard. I was alarmed to find out how many people live in modern slavery, and I hope my run will draw attention to the issue while raising funds for ACRATH and the amazing work they do,” she said.
“I’m raising money for ACRATH because the organisation provides one-on-one support to victim-survivors of human trafficking and their children through the Companionship Program. They advocate to MPs and other change makers to act and develop policies to eliminate slavery in Australia’s supply chains of goods and services. ACRATH also educates workers in the health, education, and community sectors to identify and support victims of modern slavery,” Charlee said.
Many at Padua College are already aware of forced labour, particularly in the supply of cocoa beans for chocolate. The Social Justice Team raised awareness of slavery free chocolate and coffee by supplying a morning tea for the staff using slavery free coffee, tea, and sweet treats. This highlighted the issue for the social justice team and the staff.
Charlee’s a little nervous about running such a long distance but loved the comradery on the course last year. Charlee is a Mission Captain, a member of the Respectful Relationships Team and a House Leader at Padua College and tries to give back to her college community. Already several of her classmates have donated to ACRATH on Charlee’s behalf. You can join her fundraising efforts here.
Join the Run
Run or walk with Team ACRATH on Sunday, 13 July 2025, in Run Melbourne: Register now to run or walk with us! Rally your family, friends, or colleagues to join or donate. Register here.
