Walking for a cause
Ahorsham
group of walking enthusiasts is in training to take on a 100-kilometre Oxfam Trailwalker course in Melbourne next year.
The group will have two walking teams in the fundraiser, each planning to raise a minimum of $1400 but with an overall target of $7000 to help support people living in poverty.
Group spokesperson Alison Butler said they had decided to take on the walking fundraiser to ‘do something for a cause’.
“It’s also about building resilience and raising awareness with like-minded people who are looking for a new challenge due to changes in life, health and family,” she said.
“It is also about making a commitment and to promote a healthy body and mind.”
The Oxfam Trailwalker is from March 23 to March 25, with walkers making their way from Jess Park to Wesburn Park via Olinda.
The Horsham group involves Scrambled Leggs, made up of team captain Louise Higgins, Jenny Mcgrath, Danielle Luciani and Michelle Friend and the Happy Flappers, with captain Alison Butler and Kym Bateson, Mary Obst and Louise Gabbe.
The teams will also have support crews made up of family members and friends.
Oxfam Trailwalker supports Oxfam’s work around the world in raising awareness of poverty and injustice. It started in 1981 as a training exercise by the Queen’s Gurkha Signals, part of the Brigade of Gurkhas of the British Army. In 1986 civilian teams started taking part.
The concept is based on resilience and teamwork, where team members walk the 100 kilometres a day and night with little rest.
The Horsham team plans to collectively walk 11,360 kilometres, carrying packs of water and supplies, in the lead-up to the event.
“Individually this is walking to Melbourne and back more than twice,” Mrs Butler said.
“We are constantly learning – learning how to preventatively tape our feet to protect from blisters, how to stay hydrated and nourished.
“Learning about what types of food we should be eating along the trail and how frequently.
“Learning what gear feels most comfortable, how often to change our socks and shoes, how to use walking poles and night head lamps.”
Mrs Butler said Horsham Disposals, Athletes Foot and Planet Feelgood were businesses already backing the Horsham effort.
Money-raising efforts have already included 100 percent of money raised at a Planet Feelgood body balance class going to Oxfam.
The teams are raising money with various activities and are considering barbecues at Woolworths and-or Bunnings.
Mrs Butler said any individuals or organisations keen to make a donation could attend the events or visit Facebook pages – Happy Flappers – trailwalker. oxfam.org.au/my/team/29532; or Scrambled Leggs – trailwalker. oxfam.org.au/my/team/29564.
She said organisations wishing to get behind the cause by hosting a fundraising event offering sponsorship or services could call her on 0408 950 755 or Kym Bateson 0411 619 516.