Spring is the perfect time to shake off the winter cobwebs. The weather is warming up, we want to be outside and active, and there is still a little breathing space before the silly season. It is also a big time of year for charity events.
Moving for a cause is a double win. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, and doing it alongside others while raising money for something you care about adds a powerful sense of connection and purpose.
Here are some popular events worth looking out for. Dates change each year, so check the organisers’ websites for the latest details.
Tread As One for R U OK?
Anytime Fitness clubs have teamed up with suicide prevention charity R U OK? for Tread As One, inviting members to clock up kilometres on treadmills to raise funds. The idea is simple: getting people together and talking can save lives, and every step helps fund conversations that matter.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Plié for Pink
Xtend Barre studios across Australia have run Plié for Pink fundraising classes for more than a decade, raising money and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Expect a special barre class, pink dress-ups, cake stalls and raffles, with live-streamed options too.
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, and around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Events like this help fund research and remind us all to stay on top of screening.
Movember
Every November, Movember shines a light on men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Supporters grow a moustache, take on a fitness challenge such as walking or running 60 kilometres in the month, or host their own event.
Men tend to see their GP less often than women and can miss important screenings. Encouraging the men in your life to book a check-up is one of the best gifts you can give.
Steve Irwin Gala Dinner
Not every fundraiser involves breaking a sweat. The annual Steve Irwin Gala Dinner in Brisbane celebrates the Crocodile Hunter’s passion for family, wildlife and conservation, and raises funds for Wildlife Warriors, the conservation charity founded by Steve and Terri Irwin. The dress code? Black tie with a touch of khaki.
How to choose your cause
- Pick a cause that is personal to you or your family.
- Choose an activity you will enjoy, whether it is walking, barre or a gala dinner.
- Rally friends or colleagues to join you. Training together keeps everyone motivated.
Looking for more ways to get moving? Explore our Workouts and Fitness Tips for Women and How to Be Happier guide.
