Bribie Island Bowls Club is calling for volunteers to lace-up their walking shoes and take part in the 2023 Kokoda Challenge Charity Walk this April.
The Kokoda Challenge Charity Walk is a personal walk covering 96km which is the equivalent distance of the Kokoda Track (the location of a 1942 World War II battle between Japanese and allied (primarily Australian) forces in Papua New Guinea). The event is suitable for all ages and anyone can register. Participants are encouraged to do the walk anywhere that suits them.
Kerry Muller, Bribie Island Bowls Club Community Coordinator “This is an exciting event to be involved with and people have shown an interest to walk the distance from places near and far for such a worthwhile cause.”
“It has also really encouraging to hear from quite a few participants that the Challenge had provided the motivation they needed to kick start a daily exercise program and that they had been able to continue exercising even after the challenge had finished.” said Mr Muller.
Now in its third year, the event was inspired by the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who walked 100 laps of his garden in the UK to raise $57 million for the National Health Service (NHS). Motivated by this personal achievement, the Club’s Community Group believed members would be encouraged to participate in a personal walking challenge of their own to raise money for a worthwhile cause. With ANZAC Day approaching, the Club was also inspired by the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women, not just in the past but also by current serving personnel.
After hearing about the amazing support that Wounded Heroes Australia provides to our veterans, the Club’s Community Group unanimously agreed that they were an organisation that needed our support in return.
Martin Shaw, Wounded Heroes Australia President states “We are honoured to have the continued support of the Bribie Island Bowls Club Community. Their fundraising efforts are truly inspiring, and we thank them for their tireless efforts in coordinating such a fantastic event.”
Event donations are in aid of Wounded Heroes Australia to provide crisis support to veterans and their families.
The Bribie Island Bowls Club’s Kokoda Challenge will run from April 1 to 24 and entry is via a $35 donation to Wounded Heroes Australia. Participants will also receive a specially designed supporter’s shirt to wear while they walk.
For more information, to register or to donate visit www.bribiebowls.com/kokodachallenge/, call Bribie Island Bowls Club 07 3408 1018 or call Kerry 0409 619 920.
Image: Kerry Muller, Bribie Island Bowls Club Community Coordinator and Jo Lonsdale.
