How one family chose to commemorate the life of their beautiful 16-year-old.

Alice Sloan by Sue Sloan, Alice's aunt

Alice Victoria Sloan was born on the first day of winter 1989. On the last day of winter 2005, she lost her life at the beautiful and exciting age of 16. Alice was on a greatly anticipated school outdoor education trip with much loved friends when a tree fell on the tent that she was sharing and her life was taken instantly. Inspired by the way Alice lived her life with love, passion and enthusiasm, Alice's family established a sub-fund in her name under the guidance, support and direction of MCF. This fund was established in December 2005. The aim is to provide young people from all walks of life with opportunities similar to those Alice passionately pursued, and so assist their development during formative years.

In the establishment of this fund, we took much direction from loved ones, as we wanted to ensure that Alice could continue her journey. It is our wish to be able to do this in a way that incorporates the positive qualities characterised by the way Alice lived her life, enabling us to contribute to the lives of many in her name. The fund provides financial and in-kind support, as well as encouragement to enable young people to participate in varied pursuits including sport, dance, art, music and outdoor education. Opportunities that foster fun and friendship and promote personal and skill development are the focus of grants made.

Tentatively, in June 2006, we held our first fundraising event - a 'Walks of Life' where small groups, led by a few of our family and friends, came together and walked in places of significance to them. Included were walks in Broadford, Melbourne, Eildon, the Mornington Peninsula, Finland, Turkey and Switzerland. These walks took place at the time of Alice's birth date, 1 June, or at any time in the first week of winter. It was an opportunity for reflection and the sharing in company of loved ones surrounded by nature and all its beauty.

Funds raised though these walks and also through generous donations from friends were used to support a 10 day expedition in the Eildon/Alexandra area of Victoria. The Outdoor Education Group (OEG) had wanted to conduct an expedition in Alice's name and it became obvious to us that her love of the outdoors could continue. So began the inaugural Alice Sloan Expedition in 2007, named, 'Our mountains, our journey'.

Seven girls from a rural secondary college camped, walked, rode bikes and paddled as they explored their own backyard over 10 days, proving that you don't have to go far from home to learn more about yourself, others and nature. The expedition was made possible through close collaboration with the Outdoor Education Group, Alexandra Secondary College and Berry Street Family Services.

Our mountains, our journey - students and staff of the inaugural Alice Sloan Expedition at the Goulburn River 2007 Funds raised from this year's much expanded 'Walks of Life' will be directed towards a similar Outdoor Education Expedition in January 2008, which is already well into its planning stages.

We have been growing for nearly two years and in this time - with family and the support of many old and new friends - we have collectively achieved much. We have enabled Alice and her fund to continue sharing life with us through many avenues of awareness and gentle fundraising activities. Alice has been honoured by many organisations that she was involved in and her memory lives on into perpetuity. From these small beginnings we look forward to growing a vibrant organisation with our future aims open to explore a range of opportunities for 'giving' that make a difference to the lives of young people. We would like to thank everyone for their support, encouragement and faith in all we do.