10 Million Steps for Cafs Christmas Appeal

Hello All,

My name is Rachel and I am on a mission to find some keen locals who want to make a personal challenge 1) to improve their fitness and 2) to raise money to support local families in need this Christmas.

Cafs support children and families across a vast community all the way from Ararat to Ballan, Bacchus Marsh to Ballarat and even Beaufort to Daylesford! They cover the entire Central Highlands region. I’m hoping we can get a group of committed locals together to make a challenge (it doesn’t have to be 10,000 steps, you could make a different challenge suitable to your situation) to help raise money for them to support families in need this Christmas. 

Why did I aim for 10 Million steps in November to support local families?

As a team, we are aiming to walk 10 MILLION steps in November to raise money for the Cafs Christmas Appeal (that way the funds will be available just in time for them to distribute them to families to prepare for Christmas!).

Wow, 10 million steps I hear you thinking…. ambitious. I suppose it is (it has to be a stretch goal for people to sponsor us) BUT we only need 35 people to join our team if each of them make a commitment to 10,000 steps a day, for everyday in November (you can always do extra on the weekend if you fall short  during the week)... then we will be well on our way to our goal of 10 million steps. Surely out of roughly 200,000+ people living in the area that Cafs supports we can find 35 people looking to improve their health and make a difference before Christmas!? The health benefits for those participating alone are worth celebrating BUT, that’s not all….If every participant manages to raise $100 each, we will raise $3500 to support local families this Christmas.....So, now we have no doubts about hitting our goal, get your walking shoes on (or get your wallet out - haha!)

What’s the CAFS Christmas appeal?

Each year, Cafs aims to bring some festive cheer to those in our community who are experiencing difficulties, and 2021 is no exception. This year they are seeking to support in excess of 600 local children and their families through the Cafs Christmas Appeal.

We know that families in our community are experiencing the compounding impact of two years living through the COVID-19 pandemic and this has, simultaneously, altered their ability to earn an income and negatively affected their mental and physical health

For more info about Cafs please visit www.cafs.org.au for more information about the Christmas appeal and other ways that you can show your support / make donations, please visit https://cafs.org.au/cafs-christmas-appeal-2021/

Why 10,000 steps a day?

The goal of 10,000 steps is the recommended daily step target for healthy adults to achieve health benefits. With continual advances in technology and workplaces becoming more sedentary it now takes a concerted effort to make active choices. Steps can be accumulated during everyday activities such as parking further from the entrance to shops, taking stairs instead of escalators, walking while at work and walking to socialise with friends and family.

Activity trackers provide data which enables you to become aware of your physical activity levels, work towards a goal and monitor progress. Studies using the 10,000 steps per day goal have shown weight loss, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced blood pressure from increased physical activity toward achieving this goal.

"But there’s no way that I can do 10,000 steps a day…."

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT….We still want you on our team! You don’t get out of it that easily ;)…. Set your own goal, it doesn’t matter if it’s 2000 steps, 10,000 steps or even 30,000 steps, do what suits your lifestyle and health situation.

You can also participate by converting your movement into steps (eg. If you’re in a wheelchair, or if you have other activities you would prefer to do such as riding a bike etc - there’s lots of tools online that will help you convert activity into equivalent steps – message this page and we can help!)

The clever folk over at https://www.10000steps.org.au/articles/counting-steps/ had the following to say about adjusting the goal to your situation: Although the program promotes the goal of reaching 10,000 steps each day for healthy adults, this goal is not universally appropriate across all ages and physical function. There are some groups where the goal of 10,000 steps may not be accurate, such as the elderly and children. Your individual step goal should be based on current activity levels and overall health and fitness goals. For people who normally do fewer than 10,000 steps, increasing daily activity by 1-2,000 steps per day will provide health benefits. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before commencing a physical activity program.

All donations made through this platform are secure and will be remitted directed through to CAFS. All financial donations (eg. money through this platform) above $2 are eligible for a Tax receipt / invoice for tax purposes which will be automatically generated.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Create your profile and join our team, we can show you how to track your steps if you’re not sure, just reach out!

Thanks so much for your support!