Members of the Geelong community have shown their support for families with premature and sick babies through a fundraising challenge.
Families of premature babies, hospital staff, friends, and supporters helped push a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) incubator during Geelong’s Walk for Prems – The Mighty Trek Challenge at Anthony Costa Oval, South Geelong on Tuesday 21 October.
The challenge was held by Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, and chief executive Felicia Welstead said the initiative would directly benefit the local communities and hospitals where the events were held.
“Together, let’s raise $1 million for premature and sick babies…which will double our capacity to help families at one of the toughest times in their lives,” she said.
“This vital funding will enable Life’s Little Treasures Foundation to expand our presence with support staff in 20 tertiary hospitals by 2026.”
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the fundraising challenge at South Geelong’s Anthony Costa Oval on 21 October.
The Geelong event formed part of a nationwide aim to push a NICU incubator 900km across 20 locations from Sydney to Melbourne.
More than $385,600 has been raised and 576km have been travelled so far during the Walk for Prems – The Mighty Trek Challenge as of 5.30pm on 22 October.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation has been supporting families with premature and sick babies for 20 years, ensuring everyone has easy access to critical information and community support.
Close to 48000 babies in Australia are born premature or sick each year, with one in seven babies needing critical care in a NICU or special care nursery, according to Life’s Little Treasures Foundation’s data.
People can continue to raise money through Geelong’s Walk for Prems – The Mighty Trek Challenge at walk-for-prems-2025.raiselysite.com/24october-geelong by Friday 31 October.
