the cause
What is Walk for WAGEC?
Walk for WAGEC is a 5km walk or 10km run at Centennial Park, Sydney on Sunday 7th May 2023, or virtually between 1st May-7th May. This year our goal is to collectively raise $250,000, which will help deliver important programs for women that build financial independence, nurture healing and well-being and enrich children’s development.
Who is WAGEC?
Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) is a feminist, grassroots organisation that supports women and families in crisis and advocates for social change in the community. We are based in Redfern, Sydney and work on the lands of the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora Nation.
Every night, we support 200 women and children impacted by homelessness, domestic violence and systemic disadvantage. We do this by providing material aid, case management, biopsychosocial support, accommodation, and crisis responses. Equally we seek to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence through primary prevention activities with communities and private and public entities that want to be a part of the global movement to end gender-based violence in a generation.
How will my donations help?
Money you raise by taking part in Walk for WAGEC will support programs that build financial independence, nurture healing and well-being, enrich children’s development and prevent violence from happening in the first place. These programs rely on community and philanthropic donations, which is why your fundraising is so important.
$20 will provide a child with an Essentials Welcome Pack with items like shampoo, toothbrushes and non-perishable food to help them feel at home at WAGEC
$50 will support a woman to attend a financial literacy workshop
$100 will give a teenager three personal tutoring sessions to help them keep up at school
$150 will provide a therapeutic family session for mums and kids to heal together
$200 will fund a career development and skill building workshop to enable a woman’s economic security
$500 will support a woman to attend a 6-week group to support her healing and recovery after leaving domestic and family violence
$750 will give a family access to school holiday activities, providing opportunities for kids to socialise with their peers and bond with their parents
$1000 will support a woman on her journey to financial independence through WAGEC's tailored mentoring program
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. WAGEC is a registered charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means you will receive a tax-deductible receipt for any donation of $2 or more.
Getting Started
How can I complete Walk for WAGEC?
You can complete Walk for WAGEC by walking 5km or running 10km on Sunday 7th May in Centennial Park, Sydney or virtually anywhere and anytime between 1st May and 7th May.
If you are walking virtually, you can complete your kms anyway that suits you whether that be walking, running, swimming or cycling. For more creative ways to complete your kms, check out our welcome guide here.
How do I register?
To register, click here.
Is there a registration fee?
Walk for WAGEC charges a $25 registration fee per person (children under 18 walk free). This fee helps to cover the cost of running the event and includes a Walk for WAGEC t-shirt for each registered participant. We acknowledge we are walking on stolen Aboriginal Land. If you identify as a First Nations person, you are not required to pay a registration fee. Please email fundraising@wagec.org.au to have your fee waived. We also know that times are tough for everyone right now. If you are experiencing financial hardship please email fundraising@wagec.org.au to have your fee waived.
How do I set up a team?
We encourage you to complete Walk for WAGEC with a team. This could include your work colleagues, friends or family members. Whether you complete the Walk individually or as part of a team, you can inspire members of your community to also get involved and draw on some friendly competition in an effort to raise money to support families escaping domestic violence.
You will have the option to create or join a team during registration or from your individual fundraising page after you’ve registered.
How do I reach my fundraising goal?
01. Tell your community why you're walking, and what it personally means for you to be part of this event
One woman is killed each week in Australia at the hands of her current or former partner. Gender-based violence takes a profound toll on women, children and communities. That’s why we need you to walk. By walking for WAGEC, you will be giving women and children what they need to walk away from violence and create safe futures.
02. Explain to your community why their donations matter
It takes all of us to build safe futures for women and children. Let your supporters know that funds raised will help operate programs that build financial independence, nurture healing and well-being and enrich children’s development. To operate these programs, we rely on community and philanthropic donations.
03.Set an ambitious but achievable target
Set a high target because this encourages people to donate more! Try to be realistic at the same time about how much you can raise so that you can achieve your goal.
04.Make the first donation a good one
Be strategic about who you ask for your first donation. The first donation often sets the mark for future donations. It’s also a great idea to make the first donation yourself. When people see how serious you are about the cause, they will be more inspired to give.
05. Share your page and tell people how you will complete the walk
Share your page through different channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Email, Text, and WhatsApp. If you’re walking virtually, highlight the ways you will complete your steps, you can encourage your friends to make different suggestions! Make sure to tag #walkforwagec
06. Ask for a specific amount
Sometimes people feel more comfortable donating when they know how much you want them to give. Ask for a specific amount so that they don’t have to think about it, and understand that every dollar counts. You can use our social media tiles here to ask for a specific amount and explain to them how that donation helps.
07. Share with your potential donors what’s in it for them
Explain to people how they will benefit from donating. This could mean explaining how their donation will help (see next step), reminding them that all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible, or even giving special donors a shout out on the day.
08. Remind your friends and keep donors engaged
Sometimes people want to donate but have forgotten to do so. Your friends will appreciate the reminder that there is still time to donate. You can also remind your friends by creating an online community with your donors. Encourage donors to suggest ways to walk, or even set you challenges to help you train for your walk or run.
09. Keep people updated on your progress and thank your donors
Share updates about how much you’ve raised, how much you still need donated to hit your target. Engage your audience by sharing progress through video messages. Be sure to thank people who have donated and make them feel good about what they’ve contributed, this might even inspire people to give more.
10. Increase your target
If you reach your target, you can raise it through your profile page!
Can I connect my Strava?
Yes! We encourage you to connect your Strava account to your fundraising page so your sponsors can follow along with your training for Walk for WAGEC. Make sure to post updates and hashtag #walkforwagec
The Event
What time should I arrive on Sunday 7 May?
Please arrive between 7:30am - 8:45am for check-in.
Is there Walk for WAGEC merch?
Yes. Every person who registers will receive a signature Walk for WAGEC T-shirt either in person on the day or if you are walking virtually, via post. If you raise $500 or more, you will be gifted a WAGEC exclusive bucket hat.