Teams taking part in this year’s Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne event from today hope to raise more than $2.5 million.
The money raised will help Oxfam in its global fight against poverty.
Arguably one of Australia’s toughest endurance events in Australia, the 14th annual Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne challenges teams of four to complete a 100km walk in under 48 hours.
This year’s event will see more than 700 teams of four take part in the challenge, which will finish on Sunday 10 April. Making the event possible are more than 800 volunteers working in 40 different roles over the weekend and 3,500 people who will act as support crews to teams.
Oxfam spokesperson Jez Hunghanfoo said this year’s event was shaping up to be one of the best yet.
“Trailwalker is not only one of Oxfam’s largest fundraising events it also gives everyday Australians the opportunity to help make a real difference in the world,” Mr Hunghanfoo said.
“Our teams put everything into the physical and fundraising aspects of this challenge and they are supported by their wonderful support crews and our amazing volunteers who make this event possible.
“Donations raised by Oxfam Trailwalker participants will be used to help fight poverty around the world, like in Niger where Oxfam is helping to provide clean water, hygiene and health training, toilet blocks and hygiene kits to save the lives of children, protecting them from malnutrition and disease.”
In Australia, Oxfam Trailwalker events in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney have raised more than $70 million since 1999 to help people living in poverty throughout the world.
Teams will set off from Jells Park in Wheelers Hill today at 6.30am, 7.30am, 8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am and have 48 hours to complete the walk at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley. Teams will be finishing the event from tonight until early Sunday morning with the majority of teams expected to cross the finish line on Saturday.
You can view trail maps and further event details at https://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/melbourne or contact us on 1800 088 110 for more information.
Picture and filming opportunities will be available at the start and finish lines during the course of the event.
For interviews with teams, volunteers or the Oxfam spokesperson, please contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Alice Plate on 0418 873 782 or alicep@oxfam.org.au
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