TOMOYA Matsusaka arrived in Kilmore on Tuesday, December 16 on route from Cairns to Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne to raise funds for children in need.
As a solo pedestrian with an aluminium cart packed with the barest of essentials, Mr Matsusaka took his first steps late in Autumn on Tuesday, May 27 on the Bruce Highway to raise funds for children in need.
The fundraising goal, $60K is within reach as with days to go, generous Australian’s have donated 95 per cent of its target already.
Tomoya Matsusaka on his Gofundme page wrote: “I have been able to walk to this day is not because of my own strength, but because of the support of many people”.
One of those people is a Euroa publican.
Mitul Ahir responded to a call for help from Tomoya Matsusaka after he incurred a tyre puncture on the Hume Highway between Seymour and Broadford yesterday.
Mr Ahir arranged to drive him to Kilmore and phoned ahead to ask Wheel House Bikes if they could help free of charge.
Proprietor Rob Jackson said: “I gave him my number and said look if you have any more troubles give me a buzz”.
“Literally that afternoon we got a call from him and he said he got another puncture and he was at the servo across from Hudsons Park. So, we came back here grabbed another tube and another spare tube and replaced another one for him,” he said.
Mel Sveticic said: “I called Ah Raffaele and asked Kitty if she could give him some breaky that I could post pay for later and some lunch for on his way home”.
Mr Matsusaka told the Review that he was born in Japan as he posed for a picture as he leaving Kilmore around 10am this morning.
On his Gofundme page, he said: “Traveling by foot has taught me the importance of having food and drink … I originally worked in education, and I love children”.
“In Australia, the distances between towns are long, so it’s difficult to secure food and water. I travel on foot, so the distance I cover each day is short, and I drink a lot of water, so it runs out quickly. But the people living in Australia are really kind and give me lots of food and drinks.”
The finish line is days away, Saturday, December 20 when Mr Matsusaka plans to arrive at The Conservatory Fitzroy Gardens at 5pm.
“I want as many children as possible to have food and drink and live today, so I want to donate to UNICEF Australia,” he said.
To donate, visit gofund.me/5c672936c
