Walk for a Veteran event raises $100,000
By Chad McLaren, Chairperson, Walk for a Veteran
More than 900 South Australians made their way to the Adelaide Hills over the weekend to attend the annual SmartBar Walk for a Veteran with PTSD event. It raised more than $100,000 and awareness for those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues in the veteran, Defence and emergency services community
The 2021 SmartBar Walk for A Veteran with PTSD was more than just a great way to show our support for people who have put their physical and mental health on the line for their country and their community. It was a chance to take part in a truly spectacular walk and then enjoy a sensational line-up of Aussie artists in a celebratory concert.
Headlining the concert were Hollow Coves from Queensland supported by the best South Australian bands, with Germein Sisters, Jordan D'Sena, Cosmo Thundercat, Horse Lords, The Timbers, Yorke Heath and Lucinda Grace from the Adelaide Hills.
As part of the 10-kilometre course which is 33 kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, nestled among an operating Forestry SA timber forest, the course took you to 470 metres above sea level with spectacular views over the valleys below.
Four-hundred registered walkers hit the beautiful course this year, the most participants for the event in its short history. This year people registered for 10, 20, 30 or 40 kilometres, but we saw many people wanting to go up that hill again and again.
Now in its 6th year, SmartBar Walk for A Veteran with PTSD aimed to raise more than $100,000 in 2021 to reflect the strong growth of the cause, which last year raised $75,000.
Proceeds from the walk will again be donated to organisations and services that support veteran and emergency services mental health programs. The chosen charities in 2021 will be the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation, and CFS Foundation SA, Hearts for Heroes and Trojan’s Trek.
Each event has provided a great opportunity to walk alongside and hear from brave men and women about the impact of those vital roles they have played in our community. It has been heart-warming to see this community come together over our now six events so far and we look forward to growing the event even more in 2022.
You don’t have to be connected to the armed forces or emergency services – we invite everyone who wants to join in the day and / or the night in the stunning Adelaide Hills to get their favourite people together and plan for 2022 now.’
For more information, please visit walkforaveteran.org.au where you can also donate.
