The challenge is set for Ballarat residents to become a local hero by getting active and raising funds to ensure disadvantaged children are equipped for school.
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The Ballarat Foundation launched registrations for its annual fundraiser Run For A Cause on Monday.
The virtual event will aim to raise $50,000 throughout November to provide 1000 back to school vouchers for struggling families.
Every student deserves the right to education.
- Brayden Guareschi, Run For A Cause ambassador
Run For A Cause ambassador and primary school teacher Brayden Guareschi said he had seen children in distress because they did not have the correct books or recourses to complete the school day.
"It can be quite stressful and it can affect their day at school," he said.
"Every student deserves the right to education.
"If we can bridge that gap and make the resources affordable for those students, it sets them up for success in the classroom."
Ballarat Foundation distributed $20,000 of back to school vouchers to more than 40 primary schools last year.
The organisation's chief executive Andrew Eales said the vouchers did not meet the need in the community.
"We have seen families, mums, dads, lose their jobs through the pandemic or be really significantly financially impacted," he said.
"The need has increased during COVID and this is a way people in the community can help out young people who have been doing it really tough."
Back to school vouchers are supplied to schools who distribute them to families in need to purchase school books, stationery, uniforms, shoes and other items.
Mr Eales said the vouchers were a simple but effective way to support children's engagement and success at school.
"You know what it is like if you don't have a new pair of shoes or the same books or access to stationery. For a young child, that can have an enormous impact," he said.
"We know the educational opportunities a young person can have can impact through their whole life."
Ballarat residents are encouraged to register to participate in the virtual running challenge, set their active goals and raise funds throughout November.
Federation University, Heinz Law and McGrath Ballarat are event sponsors.
Federation University discipline lead exercise and sport science Dr Scott Talpey said getting outside and physically active Run For A Cause would benefit physical and mental health.
"By doing an event like this with friends and family, it really helps bring the mental health, social health and physical health all together," he said.
McGrath Ballarat's Jess Nestor said it was the third year the business had supported the event.
"We have lots of young children ourselves within the business. We are really big with helping children and helping our Ballarat community, so it was a no brainer to get involved again this year," she said.
Visit ballaratfoundation.org/run-for-a-cause/ to register.
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