Great Illawarra Walk organisers handed over a massive cheque to help local charity KidsWish. Photo: Supplied.
Hundreds of community members who pounded the pavement for the Great Illawarra Walk have helped support children with illness and disabilities to access important services across the region, with $72,625 raised through this year’s event.
Four hundred and twenty-five participants trekked the 40 kilometres from Shellharbour to Austinmer last month during the 18th Great Illawarra Walk, with all proceeds handed over to KidsWish to support them to continue their work within the Illawarra community.
“These funds will help us expand our programs, including new opportunities in sports, music, and dance for children in the northern Illawarra region,” KidsWish Stakeholder Engagement and Fundraising Manager Emily Wright said.
“With limited access to funding for group programs, these free initiatives allow children to develop their skills, build friendships, and gain confidence in a supportive and fun environment.”
It is the second year that KidsWish has been a beneficiary of the Great Illawarra Walk, with the event contributing to a large number of local charities, organisations and projects within the community over almost two decades.
Other recipients of the more than $1.3 million donated over the years have included the Illawarra Academy of Sport, Southern Youth and Family Services and research into vanishing white matter disease through the former Illawarra Health and Medical Institute and Saving Chloe Saxby Foundation.
Great Illawarra Walk Founder Chris Lovatt was grateful for the community’s continued support. The event has grown and developed throughout the years, now also including an all-inclusive, all-accessible section called the KidsWish Blue Mile to attract more families and children.
“It’s incredible to see how much this event has grown over the past 18 years, from just a handful of walkers to hundreds coming together to support local children,” Chris said.
“We were lucky to have fantastic weather this year, and it was amazing to see new faces joining us, especially in the accessible KidsWish Blue Mile along Wollongong Harbour.”
He also acknowledged the businesses that backed the community event to help maximise fundraising efforts.
“We are extremely grateful to our major sponsor, LJ Hooker Wollongong, Shellharbour and Corrimal, for providing essential funds to cover the cost of T-shirts and administration,” Chris said. “Their support ensures 100 per cent of funds raised are donated to the cause.”
Plans are already underway for next year, with the date set for 14 March.
“This event brings the community together in such a powerful way,” Emily said. “And the impact on the children and families we support is truly life-changing.”
To find out more about the event visit the Great Illawarra Walk website.
