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P23
FEBRUARY 2022 ISSUE 010
OVOSPORT
Newcastle team’s spectacular Stride4Stroke fundraising effort A group of Newcastle women have raised over $10,000 for the Stroke Foundation during its Stride4Stroke campaign. The campaign aims to encourage communities to form Stride4Stroke teams and get active, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for strokes and the Stroke Foundation. Newcastle team Mandi & Co-On The Run raised $10284 in just one month by simply getting active and reaching their ‘moving minutes’ goal. Team members Tracey Laverick, Amanda Newstead, Naomi Clayton, Leonie Lewis, and Penny Genoli all individually smashed their targets. Tracey Laverick raised over $6000 alone and reached her goal of 800 moving minutes by participating in Zumba classes, playing tennis and walking. Laverick, whose husband Mark experienced a stroke ten years ago, said it felt good to do something not only for her own health but to raise money for a charity that was close to her heart. “Stroke happens when you least expect it, and it can change lives profoundly,” Laverick said. “Stroke hits the whole family. So it’s not just the person that suffers the stroke, it’s the family and friends too. “As a carer, I wanted to help raise awareness of the wide impact of stroke and support the amazing work of the
(L-R) Leonie Lewis, Amanda Newstead, Penny Genoli, Tracey Laverick and Naomi Clayton raised more than $10,000 for Stride4Stroke Photo: Supplied
Stroke Foundation. “They help survivors and their loved ones on the recovery journey and invest in prevention campaigns and research that aims to improve outcomes in the future. It is vital work. “It’s estimated around 200 people will have had a stroke for the first time in the Newcastle federal electorate in 2021, while more than 3200 stroke survivors are living in the community.” According to the Stroke Foundation, more than 20,000 people in the Newcastle area are not moving enough,
and one way to prevent a stroke is staying active. It’s estimated more than 27,400 people will have a stroke in Australia for the first time in 2021, equating to one stroke every nineteen minutes. Stroke Foundation NSW manager Rhian Paton-Kelly thanked the team for their passion and dedication. “They really went for it!” Paton-Kelly said. “We are so grateful for their efforts and for everyone who generously
supported them with encouragement and donations. “I urge other people in Newcastle to follow their lead and sign up to Stride4Stroke next time. “Every dollar raised helps in our mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.” Stride4Stroke had 1393 participants from all over Australia this year, totalling more than 1 million moving minutes and raising more than $455,000. Hayley McMahon
Trade trash for treasure at Merewether A unique community clean-up and clothes swapping event is coming to Newcastle, where locals can reconsider their relationship with waste and trade trash for treasure. Seaside Scavenge is a Sydney-based not-for-profit organisation cleaning up coastal waterways since 2015 and educating communities about the value of rubbish as a resource. In partnership with the City of Newcastle, Seaside Scavenge is bringing a free community clean up event to Dixon Park, Merewether, on February 12, featuring a day of environmental education, music and markets. For every 10 pieces of litter collected, participants will be rewarded one Trash Token to use in a pop-up market of quality handpicked pre-loved clothes, books and toys. The market stalls will be run by local eco change-makers, including Plastic Police, Planet Warrior Education, The Seabin Project, The Newy Share Shop, The RE Club and Trash Pixie Collective. Event Coordinator Eleanor Pratten said the scavenge brought communities together and used fun and unique programs to inspire and educate. “The scavenge is about encouraging communities to reconsider their relationship to waste,” Pratten said.
Newcastle’s Seaside Scavenge will be held at Dixon Park, Merewether on February 12 Photo: Supplied
“By seeing how waste can be turned into a valuable resource, communities are introduced to circular economy principles and the importance of correct recycling habits. “They are empowered to make small changes that collectively make a significant impact.” Pratten said the event would portray circular economic principles in action through live demonstrations of DEFY Design‘s newest plastic recycling microfactory. Prizes donated by Newcastle
businesses will be awarded to participants who collect the most litter and other categories like the most cigarette butts or the weirdest item found. All litter collected by participants on the day is separated into landfill, recycling, cigarette butts, hard plastics, organics, and e-waste. The waste is then submitted to the Australian Marine Debris Database and managed by the utility company Suez. Along with the community clean up and clothes swapping activities, the
event will feature live performances from Steel City Sue and music duo Cormac and Manuel. Newcastle theatre company, Curious Legends will also make an appearance where participants can try their hands at roving puppet performances. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a great way to help beautify and protect Newcastle’s coastline while highlighting the importance of recycling and correct waste disposal. “Our coast and beaches are loved by locals and major drawcards for visitors, so it is important we do everything we can to protect their environmental health,” Cr Nelmes said. “Events such as the Seaside Scavenge are a practical way for the community to make an impact while also reinforcing the importance of disposing of your rubbish correctly and promoting the benefits of reusing and recycling items rather than just sending them to landfill.” The community is encouraged to attend the free event, which will be held at Dixon Park, Merewether, on Saturday, February 12, from 11 am to 3 pm. For more information or to register for the event, visit the Seaside Scavenge Eventbrite website. Hayley McMahon
