Communities across the New England region are being encouraged to put their best foot forward this Wednesday, 14 October, as RFBI launches its first-ever Grand Stroll fundraiser.
Residents in Armidale, Glen Innes, Moonbi and Tamworth will join the community walkathon, raising funds to support people experiencing hardship and improve health and wellbeing outcomes across local communities.
The inaugural event will bring together aged care residents, families, volunteers, local businesses and community groups, with all proceeds supporting RFBI’s Benevolence Program.
While RFBI is best known for providing aged care, retirement living and Care at Home services, its Benevolence Program extends support beyond its villages to assist vulnerable people in the wider community.
The Grand Stroll marks the first coordinated regional fundraiser of its kind for RFBI, replacing individual village fundraising activities with a united effort to strengthen community connections.
RFBI is encouraging New England schools, sporting clubs, businesses and residents to get involved by joining the walk, sponsoring participants, making donations or cheering on walkers.
RFBI Chief Marketing Officer Alana Parker said the initiative was about bringing communities together for a common cause.
“At its heart, The Grand Stroll is about connection,” Parker said.
“The Grand Stroll is about more than walking laps. It’s about communities coming together to support one another. Funds for through the RFBI Benevolence Program help us provide assistance where it is needed most and we’re proud to see residents, families, volunteers and local supporters leading that effort.”
Participants are encouraged to embrace a royal or superhero theme, with prizes for the best-dressed walkers, most laps completed and the village that raises the most money.
The event will run from 10am to 1pm, featuring a community walkathon, a friendly race between staff and volunteers, and a barbecue and brunch celebration.
Four New England locations will host the event:
- Armidale: RFBI Armidale Masonic Village, 86 Box Hill Drive
- Glen Innes: RFBI Glen Innes Masonic Village, 175 Lambeth Street
- Moonbi: RFBI Moonbi Masonic Village, 52 Churchill Drive
- Tamworth: RFBI Tamworth Masonic Village, 14–16 Kitchener Street
The fundraiser will also take place at RFBI villages in Bellingen and Raleigh.
Registration costs $5 per person, with all proceeds directed to the RFBI Benevolence Program.
Community members can register, donate or find more information at www.rfbi.com.au/thegrandstroll.
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