As part of the STEPtember challenge, participating Intereach staff are tasked with taking at least 10,000 steps each day during September.
Intereach senior customer support worker Natalie Chessells is one of the staff members taking part in the fundraising cause.
‘‘The challenge, for me, is simply an opportunity to help raise awareness and money for cerebral palsy,’’ she said.
‘‘Money raised supports a wide range of initiatives, helping people living with cerebral palsy to live their best lives.
‘‘Programs that can be supported with funds raised include identifying babies at risk, early detection of cerebral palsy, helping equip rural and regional areas to support families living in those areas and research into genetic causes and prevention of viruses that can cause cerebral palsy.
‘‘Every 20 hours an Australian child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. It’s caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth, and directly affects a person’s movement and posture for life.
‘‘I think it is important to raise awareness around conditions such as this - the more people know, the more understanding they are.”’
During last year’s challenge, Intereach staff managed to raise almost $6000.
It is because of that success Ms Chessells had no hesitations to jump in again. And she’s not alone.
‘‘We have two teams of four participating from the Deni office, under the team names Stepping Outa Lockdown and the Essential Steppers.
‘‘We have 60 staff members registered across the Intereach footprint, in both Victoria and New South Wales.
‘‘We have already raised $1700, before the challenge has officially started, and we are going to try and beat last year’s total.’’
Ms Chessells said the added advantage to participating in the initiative, is the wellbeing outcomes for staff.
‘‘It is a great way to get moving and raise awareness and money for a great cause.
‘‘Not only will it benefit our physical health, but also our mental health — getting out there in the fresh air, moving and doing something for the good of others; it’s a win:win. It will be especially beneficial in lockdown.
‘‘Personally I want to smash my step total from last year of 441,855 — so wish me luck!’’
To donate, to to www.steptember.org.au/fundraisers/steppingoutalockdown or www.steptember.org.au/fundraisers/TheEssentialSteppers.
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