CONGRATULATIONS!!
Well done to everyone that participated in the Oxfam City Walk.
First, we would like to thank you. For attending the day, for donating much needed funds to Oxfam, and for doing your absolute very best in the demanding conditions. BF4S is very proud of you and all of your achievements.
Event wrap-up
Last year we started the very same walk with 11 people. This year 60 people, 6 support crew, 2 bikes, 4 cars and one ‘appropriately’ dressed photographer embarked on a journey of fun, challenge and success.
The walk to Mordialloc started fresh. It wasn’t long before the jumpers came off and the smell of sunscreen was in the air! We reached our first water station at Keast Park where we were surprised with water pistols and spray bottles- let the fun begin..:)
It was an amazing view to see 60 people walking along the footpath full of fun and excitement. Sombreros, bright pink, bikes, kids and dogs- we had it all!
It was all smiles at Mordialloc when 21 of our triumphant walkers returned to the air conditioners and home pools after having achieved their goals. Well done!!
We pressed on, dressed in our spot prizes of shower caps, crowns and flowers- smile for the camera! The sea breeze provided a nice change, and the entertainment at the beach kept the spirits alive.
Lunch time arrived with some tired and hungry walkers to feed. Shade under a tree was just what the doctor ordered. After a yummy feed it was time to re-tape feet, re-apply sunscreen and regain some energy.
We pressed on, some choosing to retire, some withdrawing without much choice. The last 20kms were epic, tiring, challenging and fun all at the same time! There were lots of laughs, and plenty of entertainment on the street. Brighton Yacht Club provided the most amazing feeling. First water, then ice, then spray bottles, then the pinnacle, the ICY POLES! These definitely hit the spot, with most people stopping for 2, 3 or even 4!!
Stopping at St. Kilda proved a little challenging. Many of us found it hard to start again after laying under a palm tree, at the beach dreaming of cold beer and Malibu. Yet, we pushed on, all in high spirits. The last 5kms were hot. The temperature peaked at 37.7deg just before 6pm, as we were finishing our last kilometre. It seemed the world was against some of us. Aleesha experiencing raw and painful blisters, only to then break her thong along Albert Park Lake! Lucky Tess was to the rescue with a new sparkly pair.
We finished through the human arch way at 6.15pm, in the heat of the day, exactly 11hrs after we embarked on our journey, and 45km later. Still smiling, we sat on the steps of Flinders Street Station Soaking in our achievements. Some were smiling, some were breathless and some were leaning over in bushes somewhere..:)
We made it, epic and challenging, yet a very worthwhile event. Amazing day had by all.
Of course an event like this cannot run on its own. We would like to thank our support crew, Ron, Jules, Nigel and Amity in car, and Jarrod and Tina on bikes. I think we all agree that we owe these people our health and vitality on the day. Thank you to all of you for giving up your Sunday to help support BF4S and raise money for our Oxfam endeavour.
As we draw close to our enormous event and successful Sunday ‘stroll’ I want to remind everyone of the voucher included in your show bag of goodies. If we can take anything from out time out in the sun and heat pounding the pavement, it would be a soothing massage is in order!
I know many of you are keen to know how much we ended up raising. The final count is still be finalised but at this stage it looks to be very close to $2,000 which is fantastic!
Just as many who were keen to know how much we raised have been asking about next year’s walk. Well I can say planning is already underway. We are intent on the ‘3rd Annual Seaford to City Oxfam 45km Walk” will be the best ever.
People are already registering their interest. If you are interested (yourself as well as friends), please email me at bree.bfit4shaw@gmail.com to let me know. We also would love to hear your feedback or suggestions about Sunday’s walk or indeed what you would like to see in next years walk.
Again, thank you for all your support, participation and enthusiasm. It was a lot of work to organise and put the event on and seeing every one of you enjoy it made it worthwhile.
Look forward to speaking to everyone soon,
Bree Shaw 
Raffle Prize Winners
Congratulations to Stephen Barker, Lourdes Lopez-Portillo and Sally Person for winning the hampers on the day.
Congratulations to our top fundraisers for the event, Sharon Wood, Melinda White, The Ange and Heather gang and Wayne Threlfull.
Also, a special mention to Mitch and Adam Pearson who have kindly donated a full months allowance to the Oxfam team.
Please keep an eye on www.bfit4shaw.com.au for photos, event day wrap up, and information about our next event!