On Sunday 24 October, the annual Walk for Prems will be held to raise awareness for the 48,000 babies born sick or premature in Australia each year. Now in it’s twelfth year, Walk for Prems is proudly presented by Baby Bunting and is the largest fundraiser for the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, Australia’s foremost charity dedicated to supporting the families of babies born sick or before 37 weeks gestation.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s walk will follow a hybrid format which includes three physical walk locations - in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth - as well as a virtual walk option for those restricted by location. This format has been designed with a strong emphasis on community safety, to give people freedom and flexibility to participate, regardless of their current situation.

For the past 12 years, families, friends and supporters have come together to walk, connect and celebrate, whilst raising money and awareness for families impacted by prematurity. Foundation CEO, Felicia Welstead, says the past twelve months has presented numerous challenges to families, especially those of premature and sick babies, and the foundation recognises the importance of bringing the community together again in support of those families in need.

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“In these unprecedented times, parents of premature and sick babies are doing it tough. Without the traditional support network of family and friends, these families are more isolated than ever,” Ms Welstead says.

“The theme of this year’s walk is ‘Together Again for Prems’. And that is exactly what we will be doing - coming together, both physically and virtually, to raise awareness and much needed funds for families of premature and sick babies.”

Regardless of whether participants will be walking in person or virtually, the day will be run similar to previous events with an MC, speeches, entertainment, competitions and prizes thanks to the generosity of the Walk for Prems corporate sponsors. A dove ceremony will also take place in rememberance of those families who have lost a baby. These activities will occur at each of the physical locations as well as being streamed online for those participating virtually.

Ms Welstead says, “Walk for Prems is a wonderfully inclusive and supportive community event and we have planned lots of great activities and competitions throughout the countdown to the event. Our Instagram and Facebook pages are very active and we have a Walk For Prems Facebook group where people can share tips, their walking routes and connect with other families.”

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