First teams cross the finish line at Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney

Media Releases article written on the 20 Aug 2016

The first teams have crossed the finish line at Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney, while hundreds of teams still face another day of walking through bushland.

Team 090 “ARnuts” took 14 hours and 31 minutes to walk the 100km trail, finishing at 9.31pm last night. The team – Alexander Ramsey, David Baldwin, Julie Quinn and Steven Hanley – have so far raised $1,400 for Oxfam.

Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney is considered one of Australia’s toughest charity events with more than 470 teams of four given 48 hours to complete the 100km journey from Parsley Bay in Brooklyn to Tania Park at Balgowlah Heights. The final teams will cross the finish line early tomorrow morning.

As donations steadily increase, participants are close to raising more than $2 million for Oxfam to help fight global poverty.

Leading the fundraising tally is Team 001 – “Wandering Wallys”. Team Captain Ray Debono, who is walking in his 7th Oxfam Trailwalker said it’s everyone’s generosity that keeps him coming back each year. His team including, Andrew Debono, David Miller and Kevin Jenkins, have raised more than $23,000, with donations still being made.

“Some people donate two or three times,” he says. “They see it as a great cause helping people worldwide and also communities in Australia.”

“I’ve got a strong commitment to justice and I believe in what Oxfam does and the work they do.”

Oxfam’s National Events Fundraising Manager Anna Wemyss said all teams should be proud of their efforts.

“This event is about teams supporting each other to push through the hard times, all in the name of raising money for people living in poverty, and everyone involved should feel really proud,” Ms Wemyss said.

“We’d like to congratulate Team 090 for crossing the finish line first this year and Team 001 for their support of Oxfam through their ongoing commitment to fundraising.

“To all the other participants who have walked through the night and are facing another long day of walking, we are cheering you on every step of the way.”

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.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: There are many inspiring participants who are available for interview and photos for the duration of the event.

To arrange interviews or for more information contact Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator Bianca Wordley on 0407 799 365 or biancaw@oxfam.org.au.