Looking for a way to feel good, get active and make a meaningful difference? Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way is back this April, offering the perfect opportunity to move your body and raise important funds to help support people living with blindness, low vision or print disability.
Once again, Vision Australia Radio (VAR), a national not-for-profit community radio network, is joining the challenge and inviting our supporters, audio consumers and community to participate by walking, running, rolling or moving their way to 100K across the month. VAR’s fundraising coordinator, Jason Gipps, describes the initiative as a cornerstone of the station’s annual fundraising efforts.
“Even with the dedication of over 500 volunteers across Australia and the generosity of our sponsors, our annual operational costs exceed $2 million,” Jason explains. “It’s becoming harder for community radio stations like ours to cover essential broadcast costs. 100K Your Way is a fun and impactful way to support a vital service that benefits anyone living with a print disability.”
Friendly competition for a good cause
This year, VAR has upped the ante with a touch of friendly rivalry. Four fundraising teams have been formed, representing broadcast regions in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and regional Victoria. Whether you join a Vision Australia team or go solo, the goal is simple: move 100 kilometres your way throughout April and raise funds for this essential community service.
Why it matters
For Sam Colley, presenter of VAR’s weekly program Talking Vision, the challenge holds special meaning. As someone who has lived with low vision since birth, Sam sees the radio network as an essential lifeline.
“Vision Australia Radio is close to my heart. It provides crucial information to listeners across Australia - and even around the world - helping them stay connected to their communities,” Sam shares.
Sam was among dozens of participants last year who took part in 100K Your Way, which brought together staff, volunteers and listeners to raise vital funds. For him, the event wasn’t just about getting active - it was about stepping out of his comfort zone.
“I’ve always wanted to be more active, but having low vision can make navigating outdoor spaces challenging,” he explains. “This challenge pushed me to try something new, and I’m so glad I did.”
A community effort
Sam’s friends and family went above and beyond, helping him exceed his $1,000 fundraising goal last year. Now, he’s training to beat his personal best in 2025 - both in fundraising and distance.
“100% I’m back on board,” Sam says enthusiastically. “I know what it takes now, and I’ve got a few new ideas up my sleeve - watch this space!”
Image caption: Jason Gipps and Sam Colley participating in 100K Your Way.
How to get involved
Ready to take on 100K Your Way? Sign up, set your goal and clock up 100K across April! Join a team, form your own or go it solo. Every step you take supports VAR’s mission to provide vital news and information to people with blindness, low vision and print disability.
- Join the Vision Australia Radio Perth team.
- Join the Vision Australia Radio Adelaide team.
- Join the Vision Australia Radio Melbourne team.
- Join our regional radio team.
Sign up today and give back while you get moving. Together, let’s make every step count!
