AS communities across the News Of The Area readership prepare for another busy month of local events, residents are being encouraged to lace up their walking shoes and take part in the ‘Red, Set, Go!’ 3km-a-Day Challenge throughout August.
The month-long fitness challenge is the centrepiece of this year’s Red Nose Day campaign, culminating in Red Nose Day on Thursday, 27 August, with Australians invited to walk or run three kilometres each day while raising funds to help save little lives.
The challenge offers an easy way for individuals, families, schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and community groups across the region to stay active while supporting an important cause.
Every year, around 3,000 babies and young children die suddenly and unexpectedly in Australia due to stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) and other causes. A further one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
For 38 years, Red Nose Australia has funded research, education and support services aimed at reducing these heartbreaking statistics. Community fundraising has contributed to an estimated 80 percent reduction in SIDS through investment in research and safe sleep education, while more than $20 million has been directed towards lifesaving initiatives and support for bereaved families.
Red Nose Australia CEO Amy Cooper said every step taken during the Red, Set, Go! challenge helps make a difference.
“Red Nose Day brings people together to support families facing the unimaginable and to help prevent more little lives from being lost,” Ms Cooper said.
“Every dollar raised helps fund life-saving research, safe sleep education and essential support services for bereaved families.
“Whether you’re taking on the ‘Red, Set, Go!’ fitness challenge, hosting an event or even just popping on an iconic red nose, your support is vital in helping us save little lives.”
Community groups looking to get involved can also host fundraising events, organise a Red Nose Disco, wear a red nose to work or school, or purchase official merchandise throughout August.
Residents wanting to register for the Red, Set, Go! 3km-a-Day Challenge or learn more about Red Nose Day can visit the official campaign website.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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