This past weekend, the streets of Melbourne buzzed with excitement as more than 25,000 people pounded the pavement in the annual Run Melbourne, choosing between a half marathon, a 10km run, or a 5.5km run/walk. A team from STEPS has participated in this event for the past 10 years, raising much needed donations which help to keep the program running. Among the dedicated participants this year was an 11-year-old boy with a heart of gold, William, participating for the first time.
Since he was very young, William has always had a desire to help those less fortunate. Whether it be through food donations to wildlife hospitals, making a lemonade stand to raise money for the local CFA, or, in this case, running to raise funds for the STEPS Outreach Program.
With the help of his parents, William looked up the STEPS website to see how donations help. Seeing that $30 could provide two days of groceries, $50 could provide new clothes, and $100 could provide one night’s crisis accommodation he decided his goal was to raise $100. He phoned family, wrote emails to other family and friends, and reached out to his parents’ professional networks explaining why he wanted to raise funds. He raised $1,331.
When he realised his fundraising efforts could support 44 young people with groceries, or 10 people with crisis accommodation, he shouted, “Woah! I can’t believe I did that. I’m in shock!”
William lined up at the starting line with other STEPS team members before dashing up Batman Avenue. As he ran past many of Melbourne’s famous landmarks, (and yes, he managed to run the whole way!), his focus wasn’t on the medal he’d receive as he crossed the finish line. Instead, it was the knowledge that he was making a tangible difference. “Come on Mum, keep going, we’re doing this for others, not us!” he shouted to his mum, Kellie, as they hit the 3 km mark. After the race, he returned to meet the STEPS team for high-fives.
STEPS Outreach Service extends heartfelt thanks to William and all the STEPS Run Melbourne team for their fundraising efforts. Your achievements are a testament to the power of determination and the impact we can truly make. The team raised more than $8,000 which will help to support more young people experiencing homelessness to have positive life outcomes.
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