Going the extra mile for Oxfam

By Elizabeth Lillis
WALKING 100km in 48 hours is the challenge that awaits two teams of staff from Cardinia Shire Council.
They have chosen to take part in the Oxfam Trailwalker event later this month, a major fundraising activity supporting Oxfam Australia.
Funds raised go towards development and relief programs among disadvantaged communities in 26 countries, including helping indigenous Australians.
The walk starts at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, on Friday, 23 March and progresses through three national parks before finishing at Wesburn Park in the Yarra Valley. The teams must complete the walk by 7am on Sunday, 25 March.
Members of the two teams, called Team Cardinia and Local Legends, are David Esmore, Carmen Perez, Brooke Ranken, Marcelle Bell, Ian Stevenson, James Aldred and Collin Chellew.
Mr Esmore, who is taking on the challenge for the third time, said Team Cardinia was aiming to complete the walk in a shorter time and raise more money than in previous years.
Ms Perez, who is participating for the first time, said she had now completed most of the walk, as shorter walks, as part of her training.
Mr Stevenson said the event was very much about supporting each other and working as a team.
Each team must stick together, with checkpoint times not recorded until all members cross.
Team members who have participated before say the walk is both a physical and mental challenge, with only small breaks for food and sleep to achieve the distance in 48 hours.
The teams are also keen to take on the team from the City of Casey.
“We hope to give them a run for their money,” Mr Stevenson said.
“The support crew are also important for helping and encouraging us through,” Marcelle Bell said.
The teams pay an entry fee and aim to find more than $1000 in sponsorship as part of participating in the event.
The two teams will hold a sausage sizzle at the Cardinia Pet Expo, this Saturday, 17 March at the Cardinia Shire offices to raise sponsorship money.