Walk for Prems – The Mighty Trek Challenge, presented by Baby Bunting, is a bold new fundraising challenge to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) and registrations are now open for everyone to get involved.

Travelling 900km throughout October and pushing a NICU incubator named Hope in 20 selected locations on the journey from Sydney to Melbourne, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation is embarking on The Mighty Trek Challenge to celebrate two decades of service.

The annual Walk for Prems is Australia’s largest event dedicated to supporting families with premature and sick babies is set to be even bigger in 2025 with the welcome addition of new locations across NSW and Victoria and The Mighty Trek Challenge option available for participants both in-person and virtually.

The inaugural Mighty Trek Challenge will see premmie families, hospital staff, friends, supporters and everyday Australians pushing a NICU incubator 900km in 20 selected locations on the route from Sydney to Melbourne.

The fundraising challenge will directly benefit the local communities and hospitals where it is visiting.

Life’s Little Treasures Foundation is inviting health professionals to create an official ‘Hospital Team’ and fundraise, not just for LLTF and the important and valuable work the NFP does, but also for their hospital directly.

Hospital teams will receive 50% of funds raised by their team to spend on equipment, training or vital items that are needed for their own local hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN).

The Mighty Trek Challenge will highlight the challenges faced by families with premature and sick babies and create a legacy by seeking to raise $1M to propel the foundation into the next 20 years.

"Together, let’s raise $1 million for premature and sick babies. This vital funding will enable Life’s Little Treasures Foundation to expand our presence with support staff in 20 tertiary hospitals by 2026—doubling our capacity to help families at one of the toughest times in their life,” said Felicia Welstead, CEO of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation.

At the 20 locations Life’s Little Treasures Foundation will be hosting special Walk for Prems events and together with the local communities, including partners, corporates, schools and politicians, the incubator will be pushed for 900 km!

Dates and locations are:

But no matter where you are, there’s a way to get involved and make a mighty impact!

The regular Walk for Prems event will also be held in Adelaide (5 October), Brisbane (19 October), and Perth (26 October) in October. There are lots of ways for the community to show their support and get involved:

1. Join Life’s Little Treasures Foundation and local communities at Walk for Prems events on The Mighty Trek route from Sydney to Melbourne:

Be part of the special Walk for Prems events happening along The Mighty Trek Challenge route from Sydney to Melbourne

· Walk for Prems – Come along to our signature, family-friendly walk, with entertainment and a special remembrance ceremony.

· The Mighty Trek Challenge laps – Challenge yourself by completing as many laps as possible at selected locations

· Have the honour of pushing the incubator - book a slot and push the incubator at one of the locations on The Mighty Trek Challenge route, symbolising the journey families face in the NICU/SCN.

o Take on The Mighty Trek Challenge virtually – choose Your own goal for October, for example:

o Walk 20km a week.

o Ride 200km with friends.

o Run two 10km sets every weekend.

3. Other ways to get involved:

· 20 Leaders for 20 Years initiative – Business leaders are being asked to take on the challenge to raise $5,000 each while leading by example.

· Corporate & workplace participation – Teams can join The Mighty Trek Challenge, Walk for Prems, or sponsor kilometres for their leaders.

· Donate or sponsor a participant – Supporters can help LLTF reach its $1M goal by backing business leaders and others taking part.

This year marks a decade of partnership with Presenting Partner Baby Bunting, whose incredible support has helped grow Walk for Prems and expand the reach and impact of this campaign for families of premature and sick babies across Australia.

“The mission of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) aligns perfectly with Baby Bunting’s purpose - supporting families during those crucial early years of parenting. Through our partnership, we amplify Life’s Little Treasures Foundation’s vital work, aiding families affected by premature birth and illness, which is nothing short of inspirational. Each year, we encourage our customers and our team members to make a difference.”

“In our 10 years together, we’ve proudly raised close to $2.5 million, all going to support LLTF’s invaluable efforts. Working with LLTF and the families who share their unique journeys and come together as a community, is why we’re passionate about supporting this remarkable community. I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire LLTF team for their incredible collaboration with Baby Bunting.”

“Together, we’ve made a significant impact, and we look forward to continuing our association with LLTF into the future,” said Mark Teperson, CEO, Baby Bunting.

To register and for more information on the various options available, please visit themightytrek.org.au

Each year, 48,000 babies in Australia are born premature or sick with one in seven babies needing critical care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Nursery (SCN).

For 20 years, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation has been there, supporting families through their toughest days with tailored information, practical support and community connection.

Life’s Little Treasures Foundation’s vision is to ensure that all families enduring the difficult and life-changing experience of having a premature/sick baby have easy access to critical information and community support.

Life’s Little Treasures Foundation services are available in the hospital (neonatal and special care units) and in the community when families come home.

To register and for more information, please visit themightytrek.org.au

Walk for Prems – The Mighty Trek Challenge is proudly supported by:

Presenting Partner: Baby Bunting

Major Sponsors: Britax and J. Furphy & Sons

Sponsors: Aspire, Thread the Word and Bay City Auto Group

Friends: Haakaa and Earlybirds

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