Playing for change

Latrobe Valley table tennis enthusiasts will give up some sleep for a 24-hour ping-pong-a-thon to highlight the issue of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

The Ping-Pong-a-Thon was first organised in Melbourne in 2011 to draw attention to the issue and following its success Traralgon held its first event three years ago.

Traralgon event organiser Mark Woodbridge said he got involved in the event because of the seriousness of the issue.

“It’s ultimately about human trafficking and sexual exploitation, something that really resonates with me,” Woodbridge said.

“Western men in particular are part of the cause of this issue and we need to do everything we can to prevent it from happening.”

The event will kick off at the Traralgon Baptist Church at 62 Kay Street at 6pm on Friday and concludes 6pm Saturday.

Woodbridge said there would be multiple tables running and participants would generally play for three-hour stints.

“We have groups that do the six hours overnight and others that come along in the afternoon or for breakfast,” he said.

The event will include a barbecue at 6pm on Saturday.

The Traralgon event raised more than $3000 last year and this year organisers are hoping to raise $400,000 nationwide.

Funds raised by the event are used to support organisations in south-east Asia involved in combating sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Woodbridge encouraged people to register for the event and take part.

“If they go to

www.pingpongathon.com they register there and they also can donate there and it’s tax deductible,” he said.

“It’s good, fun social engagement and there’s a lot of photo opportunities for people.

“It’s a good way to get a hard-to-swallow message out there.”

Anyone interested in participating in the Ping-Pong-a-Thon or donating can visit www.pingpongathon.com or phone Mark Woodbridge on 0427 312 605.