LAKE Wendouree is set to receive an influx of walkers and runners with an upcoming fundraising event returning next month.<\/p>\n
From 8am on Sunday, 3 April, participants will gather to walk, jog and run to raise money for Dementia Australia.<\/p>\n
This time around the fundraiser is facilitating an unofficial battle among regional Victorian cities, with the Ballarat event taking place the same day as Geelong, and Bendigo\u2019s the day after.<\/p>\n
Jason Turik, Dementia Australia\u2019s national campaigns and community fundraising manager, said he hopes the friendly competition will inspire more people to take to the track.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re upping the ante in some ways because it\u2019s about really driving more people to get involved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDementia is something that\u2019s super prevalent in communities, a lot of people are impacted by it so it\u2019s something we\u2019re trying to drum up as much attention and awareness for as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll three cities are doing seriously well, and they\u2019re tracking well above target so it\u2019s something that we\u2019re looking forward to in inspiring more people to get involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year we had about 300 people on the day and we\u2019ve already got over 250 for this one so it\u2019s looking like it\u2019s going to be bigger and better.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event is being supported by Ballarat\u2019s Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance, who will host an picnic after the fundraiser, with a tai chi demonstration and a performance by their choir.<\/p>\n
The non-profit group will assist in spreading the word about the fundraiser, and founder Anne Tudor said that all will be welcome to join in their post-event activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cMainly it\u2019s just about celebrating the fact that we\u2019re a community group and that we strive to improve the quality of lives of people within our area,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what it means to us, really. The inclusivity of what we do is just so important. Most people will know someone or will have a loved one impacted by dementia.\u201d<\/p>\n
About 250 people have already registered to participate, with over $16000 raised for the local event.<\/p>\n
Participants will have the option of taking part in either a three-kilometre family run or a walk or run down the lake\u2019s full six kilometres.<\/p>\n
To register, or for more information, visit memorywalk.com.au\/event\/ballarat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LAKE Wendouree is set to receive an influx of walkers and runners with an upcoming fundraising event returning next month. From 8am on Sunday, 3 April, participants will gather to walk, jog and run to raise money for Dementia Australia. This time around the fundraiser is facilitating an unofficial battle among regional Victorian cities, with […]<\/p>\n