Ed Orszulak and Sebastian Boehm are walking to raise money for Camp Quality. Photo: Rommel & Co
Walking from Brisbane to Melbourne is no small task, but Australian Defence Force Major Ed Orszulak is determined to do it, and he’s over halfway there.
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On Friday, September 20, Ed and his walking partner Seb will rest their weary feet in Shepparton before heading off to Bendigo, and then Kilmore, and finally Melbourne.
Starting out from New Farm Park in Brisbane, the journey is over 2740km long and expected to take 70 days, but Ed is spurred on by a meaningful cause.
Ed’s Big, Big, Big Walk for Little Kids is raising money for Camp Quality, an organisation that runs camps for children with cancer, to give them fun and memorable childhood experiences during a difficult time in their lives.
It may be called Ed’s Big, Big, Big Walk for Little Kids, but “Ed” stands for more than just Orszulak himself.
He won’t be walking alone. Firefighter and fellow Camp Quality volunteer Sebastian Boehm will tackle the 70-day journey with him.
As of September 13, they have raised $82,625 of their goal of $250,000, with 598km to go.
Walking an average 40km a day for 70 days, they’re expected to cross the finish line in Melbourne on Monday, September 30.
It will be hard, but it’s “nothing compared to what these families go through,” Ed said.
“I've been a volunteer with Camp Quality for 11 years now. A friend suggested it would be a good thing to do. He told me that it was a great organisation to be involved in, and he was right,” Ed said.
“No child should have to go through what these kids do.
“So often these kids and families live in hospitals going through treatment for months at a time. Camp Quality gives them the chance to make memories outside the hospital and to just be a family.
“I’m so excited to be able to support them and to take on this challenge.”
Ed’s Big, Big, Big Walk for Little Kids will help kids like four-year-old Harper, who was diagnosed with a rare malignant cancer.
Harper’s mother, Julia, said that the family has been able to create beautiful memories since completing her treatment, thanks to Camp Quality.
“We have enjoyed such fun Family Camps, Kids’ Camps and Virtual Camps. We are so grateful for all these memories that we have been able to share together,” Julia said.
Camp Quality CEO, Deborah Thomas, said the walk is a huge undertaking by an extremely dedicated Camp Quality supporter.
Camp Quality camps provide memorable and fun experiences for kids with cancer and their families. Photo: Citadel
“Ed’s passion for supporting kids and their families going through their darkest days is so inspiring,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to be able to help him achieve this extraordinary physical and mental challenge and be with him every step of the way, as we are for all Aussie kids facing cancer.”
Everyday Australians can support Ed in his adventure by donating to his Camp Quality fundraising page at tinyurl.com/bigbigdonate
Anybody can sign up for their own campaign.
Visit tinyurl.com/bigbigwalkfor more information on how to take your support one (or thousands) of steps further.
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