About OPT- Only Passing Thru

At Only Passing Thru (OPT), we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world through targeted support in critical areas. As a registered charity, our primary focus currently lies in helping our partners address the urgent humanitarian needs in Ukraine amidst the ongoing invasion by Russia. However, our commitment extends to other vital causes as well and we build on over two decades of community development work through our founding charity Out There Kowanyama.

A Journey of Purpose

Our journey at OPT is inspired by our founder’s passion for travel and humanitarian work. (Read more about our founder HERE ). The “Only Passing Thru” philosophy embodies our love for exploring new horizons and our commitment to helping those in need as we ‘pass through’ this one life we have. It also serves as a reminder that our time on this earth is fleeting, urging us to make a meaningful impact. In a world changed by the pandemic, travel signifies life’s journey—encouraging us to ‘travel light’ in both literal and figurative senses, focusing on what truly matters in putting ‘love into action‘ in serving our fellow human beings.

Contributing to Change

One of our biggest passions is supporting charities that are effective, have a real impact, and use their donor’s dollars efficiently. To that end, we keep our admin costs very low and ensure that no admin costs are taken out of any donations to Ukraine at this time. We are proud to be an all-volunteer organisation. Specific fundraisers and donations for Ukraine all go directly to our partners in Ukraine, minus bank fees only. Sales of ‘Support Ukraine’ items in our shop go to Ukraine. All other profits are allocated, with 80% directed towards Symbiosis International and 20% to Out There Kowanyama. We ensure that every contribution is used effectively to create a better world for those we serve.

Our Mission and Vision

OPT’s directors have firsthand experience volunteering with these organisations and have been profoundly impressed by their empowerment approach to community development and their accountability and effectiveness. Our mission is to explore innovative fundraising and social enterprise opportunities to sustainably support these causes and facilitate effective giving that helps them do their work.

Here’s how we make an impact:

Aiding Ukraine: In the Face of Immense Humanitarian Suffering

In response to the devastating war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine, OPT has stepped up to support local NGOs addressing the urgent needs on the ground. After a revealing trip to Ukraine by one of our directors in July 2023, we identified reliable organisations and critical areas of need. As of August 2023, we are actively accepting tax-deductible donations specifically for Ukraine, ensuring that aid reaches those most need it. Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (www.cma-ukraine.com) is our main partner in Ukraine who provide humanitarian and medical aid across the country and also provide support, logistics and advice to a multitude of grassroots NGO’s, churches, medic posts, clinics and hospitals across Ukraine. We also work with them to facilitate medical exchange programs and to assist in the long term needs of the Ukrainian health system.

Supporting Indigenous Youth in Australia: Out There Kowanyama

We have run Out There Kowanyama (www.otk.org.au) for many years ( it is now merged into the OPT charity) to empower remote Indigenous youth in Australia, providing them with the tools and opportunities to choose better lives. Our programs focus on education, capacity development, and community engagement to create lasting change. In the last few years, our activities in this area have been considerably scaled down, but we are still involved in some projects, which can be best followed on our OTK Facebook page

Empowering Communities in Bangladesh: Symbiosis International

Our partnership with Symbiosis International is dedicated to supporting them in uplifting the landless poor in Bangladesh. Through initiatives in education, healthcare, literacy, and employment, they strive to empower individuals and foster sustainable development. You can read more of their work at www.symbiosis.org.au and donate directly to them as they are also tax-deductible in Australia. You can purchase items in our online shop with proceeds of some items going to this charity.

Join Us

We invite you to join us in our mission to make a difference. Your support can bring hope and change to Ukraine, remote Australian communities and Bangladesh. Visit our donation page to make a tax-deductible donation: www.passingthrough.net/donating.

Please also Email me for ideas on how you can partner with us in different fundraising initiatives, volunteer, or share your ideas.

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Yours on the narrow road, Dr Lara (OPT founder and director)