By Jena Carr
Victoria’s Surf Coast hosted the Surf Coast Trek over the weekend to support local charity organisations.
More than 800 people embarked on a run or walk from Aireys Inlet to Torquay to raise money for the Kids Plus and Give Where You Live foundations on Saturday, May 13.
Kids Plus marketing manager Sharon Gibbons said all the funds received from the event would be split equally between the two not-for-profit organisations.
“We provide therapy and support for babies, children and young people living with a disability and also support for their families as well,” she said.
“I think it’s really important as well for the people that are taking part in the trek to see where the money goes and who they’re actually supporting.”
Ms Gibbons said she had two favourite parts of the event; the starting line at Aireys Inlet and the finish line at Torquay’s Elephant Walk.
“The event starts at 7.00am, so it’s dark, and then we have a welcome to country and then we have didgeridoos playing as people go from the start line,” she said.
“They walk around the lighthouse as the sun rises, and it’s just spectacular. It’s like they’re walking from darkness into light.
“Then the finish line is just the best. It’s so much fun and we see people interact with the Kids Plus participants.”
Ms Gibbons said many of the people that Kids Plus sees are non-verbal and use different communication devices to speak.
She said events like the Surf Coast Trek help people connect despite their differences.
“It’s a real learning curve to communicate with someone who doesn’t speak,” she said.
“They’re the same as everybody else. They just communicate differently.”
People can still donate money at surfcoasttrek.com.au/donate until June 10.
