NEWS COMPANY/BRAND 04 Feb 2025

Live Your Dream - Climbing for change

Komatsu employee Kimberly Ward wants to shine a light on the importance of organisations that support people through domestic violence situations - like non-for-profit Friends with Dignity - having lived through domestic violence herself.

Friends with Dignity is dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence start over by providing essential support services and support for individuals and families who have been affected to rebuild their lives.

Four people posing in an office with large photo banners of construction equipment in the background. They are holding a large promotional check from Komatsu for $10,000, dated 2024. The check is made out to "Friends with Dignity.

Their mission is to ensure that survivors and their families can regain their independence and confidence without fear or judgment. 

With the help of Komatsu’s Live Your Dream program, which grants employees $10,000 to support a charity or organisation of their choice, she wants to create awareness and break the stigma around seeking help.

Two individuals posing for a selfie outdoors, with trees in the background.

“I want to show that survivors are not alone, and it’s never their fault,” Kimberley says. 

Determined to give back, Kimberly has organised a donation drive at Komatsu’s Fairfield branch, a donation page as well as a fundraising raffle that raised over $1,100.  She has also undertaken a personal challenge and completed the ‘Treetops Adventure’ course to symbolise the courage it takes to leave an abusive situation.

“As someone who is afraid of heights, it may not seem like much to others, but to me this was a massive undertaking that also represents the fear and uncertainty victims often face when trying to escape domestic violence,” Kimberly says. Her daughter also joined her on the climb to show solidarity with children impacted by domestic violence. 

Two individuals smiling for the photo, in an outdoor setting with trees in the background.

Kimberly’s journey has been met with overwhelming support from both Komatsu and Friends with Dignity, who have embraced her initiatives and the powerful message behind them.

“This cause is too important, especially even more so now when more and more cases of domestic violence, whether it be men or women, are escalating. I feel so grateful for this opportunity to give back and assist more victims in any way I can.”

 


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