Feet first for fundraising walk

FOR the past five years, Brown Hill man Shane Magri has supported children’s education non-profit The Smith Family with donations every December.

But in 2023 he’s changing up his stride and aiming to walk 50 kilometres throughout June as part of the charity’s Dream Run initiative.

Mr Magri said he’s felt motivated to increase his fundraising efforts since taking over management of the Ballarat Vintage and Collectables Market last year.

“I’ve been supporting them for a while and like to take a bit of stress off around Christmas time,” he said. “I usually raise about $3000 each time for them.

“Since I’ve taken the market over, I’ve been doing a lot of weekly charities for the Soup Bus. I’ve never done a 50 kilometre walk so when I saw this pop up I thought it’d be a good one to give a try.

“I like to set challenges and make things happen and it’s definitely been worth the commitment.”

Mr Magri has already passed his $2000 goal and his first big walk took place earlier this month when he went nearly 20 kilometres from the market to the Arch of Victory before finishing at Lake Wendouree.

Supporting The Smith Family has been something of a personal commitment for Mr Magri.

“A few friends of mine, the Smith Family supports them and have helped get their kids through things,” he said.

“I found them to be one of the more genuine charities out there. Through them I’ve helped people close to me so if it’s made an impact on their life they’re worth helping out.

“I’ve always tried to do my bit but these days, getting bigger with business, I can actually do a bit more.”

Mr Magri also donates leftovers from the market’s cafe to the Ballarat Soup Bus every Thursday, runs regular charity auctions, and takes part in the Good Friday Appeal each year.

His fundraiser page can be found at the Dream Run website.