Run for a Cause 2021: COVID restrictions force event online

The Ballarat Foundation made the call on Thursday morning, announced via a statement that while plans had been underway to bring Run for a Cause back to Victoria Park, the escalating COVID-19 conditions sent them online once more.

Run for a Cause will return in November for a second consecutive year, rallying the community to sign up and pledge a distance to run or walk for the month and add to a greater tally effort.

The Ballarat Foundation has set a $50,000 fundraising target with a community goal to chalk-up a combined 50,000-kilometre run-walk effort.

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The cause in spotlight this year is funding for back to school vouchers to help buy stationery, books and shoes for school children who are doing it tough. Back to school vouchers are part of a Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal program and vouchers are administered in this region by The Ballarat Foundation.

This comes as Ballarat Turf Club has made clear its intentions to host 5000 people for the Ballarat Cup on November 20, in what it hopes could be the catalyst for the return of other major events in the region.

Foundation chief executive officer Andrew Eales said it was disappointing to not be able to bring the community event back to Vic Park but the Foundation was confident another virtual event would be a great success.

"We are raising funds for an extremely worthy cause. We know that so many people in our community have been struggling financially with the impact of COVID-19," Mr Eales said.

"By supplying back to school vouchers to families in need, we are able to slightly ease their financial burden, allowing the purchase of uniforms, books and stationery so that no child misses out on their education.

"While we would love to be hosting a large-scale event to bring our community together, we need to make the most of the situation we're in.

"For the past 18 months, the generosity and enthusiasm of the community has been overwhelming and I am confident that our virtual Run for a Cause will elicit a similar response."

Federation University remains the major event sponsor with Heinz Law, McGrath Real Estate, Mr Brakes and Showbiz Cinemas joining the run team.

Run for a Cause will official launch for sign-ups on October 18: ballaratfoundation.org.au.

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