Lalor’s Basma goes thrill seeking for a cause

It’s been done in Britain, but this will be a Melbourne first. A bunch of people are going to jump off a 113-metre building – all for a good cause.

Anglicare Victoria is organising this fund-raiser with a difference – and it’s looking for 150 to 200 people to abseil down St James Building in the heart of the Melbourne CBD on May 23 and 24.

Lalor resident and Anglicare adolescent case worker Basma El-Farra  is not usually one for extremes; her most challenging experience to date was going on a rollercoaster.

But Altitude Shift will send her over the edge, quite literally, of her fear zone.

“I’m not scared of heights, but the thought of going over the edge of a building terrifies me,” the 26-year-old Palestinian Australian said. “This is my way of showing my appreciation to the organisation and its workers.

“I know the funds raised will be going to a good cause, so definitely it’s worth it.”

Anglicare Victoria chief executive Paul McDonald said the event was probably the most adventurous way people could help foster children and their families.

“Altitude Shift is all about taking people out of their comfort zone,” Mr McDonald said. “Abseiling down a skyscraper is a ‘bucket-list’ experience, but it’s also an extraordinary way to raise money for an incredibly important cause.”

All money raised will go towards helping vulnerable children and supporting their foster families. Cost: $150 a person (and $850 through fund-raising).

» Sign up at altitudeshift.org.au or phone 9412 6157.