A dedicated group of hikers linked with Victoria University has raised more than $30,000 for people living in poverty.
Nine four-person teams hiked more than 100 kilometres of gruelling terrain in 48 hours at the weekend in Oxfam’s annual Trailwalker endurance challenge.
The VU Centurions teams undertook the challenge through the Dandenong and Yarra Valley ranges to raise money for charity and mark the university’s 100th anniversary.
The 36 participants included staff, students, alumni and friends. Each team was required to raise a minimum of $1400 to take part in the event but one VU team raised more than $5500.
VU participant Mel Vella first attempted the walk four years ago but only made it halfway.
This time she was determined to finish so she could help support Oxfam’s work in developing countries, raising more than $2000 through her own fundraising activities.
Another participant, Grant Meiksans, said the walk was particularly meaningful for VU in its centenary year, reflecting the university’s commitment to social justice and the community.
“VU has a long history of creating meaningful social change by engaging, educating, and working in, and with its communities,” he said.
The VU Centurion team of James Nightingale, Bruce Miller, Kerry Schilke and Luke Postlethwaite recorded the 11th fastest time of 690 teams. They raised $2895 towards the fundraising total of almost $2.5 million.
