Another great year for Challenge 21
The WCH Foundation’s Challenge 21 was back again in 2022 for its second year!
Between 19 September and 9 October, we saw a huge variety of challenges conquered for sick kids and their families cared for by the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH).
Top fundraisers
There were familiar faces from 2021 like Matt and Grant who were back and forth for the spot of top fundraiser – both putting in a huge effort!
Matt took first place for the second year in a row. He pulled off another huge auction with donated goods from local businesses.
Olympic gold medallist, Grant, not only completed at least one hour of exercise each day for 21 days but had a grand finale challenge where he walked and ran 100km (continuous!). After 17 gruelling hours, Grant’s body decided it was time, but his lovely wife, Jules, completed the challenge by running the last 21km – giving a combined total of 121km.
Grant and Jules after their huge challenge.
Challenge 21 ambassadors
We also had some incredible ambassadors with lived experience out in the community sharing their stories and raising awareness for Challenge 21.
Stroke survivor, Teiana (15), made it her challenge to take 21 selfies with 21 celebrities. Dylan Alcott AO was top of her list and with some help from friends and the community, she got her wish!
She said, “To tell you the truth, I was a little emotional while telling my story. Dylan is a legend of the sport I love playing, he is a legend and a voice for those with a disability … these are passions we both share! Thank you Dylan for listening to my story.”
Teiana (far right) with her family.
Feeling inspired to help others and share her experience with Play Therapy during her stay at the WCH, 6-year-old Georgia encouraged her school to get involved in Challenge 21. Students from her junior school created 21 amazing t-shirt designs.
Georgia spoke to our media partner, 10 News First Adelaide, about how WCH Foundation funded Play Therapist, Chelsea, made her hospital experience better after she was diagnosed with two rare diseases at 18 months old.
She said, “She made me really, really happy and not so scared.”
Georgia being interviewed by 10 News First Adelaide.
Impact
Together, the Challenge 21 community raised over $121,000 for sick kids cared for by the Women’s and Children’s Health Network!
These funds will go towards initiatives like:
- transport for vulnerable families to get to and from hospital,
- meals for families experiencing financial hardship,
- sessions with a Play Therapist to reduce stress and trauma during a patient’s hospital stay,
- breast pumps for a new mother to loan when feeding a premature baby,
- making memories at our Laklinyeri Beach House for families receiving end of life care for their child.
Thanks to our major supporter Trading Metals.
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