Walk for Hope: A day of support for struggling mums in Canberra

Posted on 8 July, 2025

Pregnancy is often celebrated as a joyous milestone, but the reality for many women is much more complicated.

The Walk for Hope fundraising event is coming to Canberra this September to support women facing the challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood alone.

And because no mother should have to do it alone, all funds raised will go to Karinya House, a charity providing safety, support, accommodation, baby goods and healthcare to local women in need.

On Sunday 14 September, Canberrans are invited to go and walk either 4.5km or 9km along Lake Burley Griffin. Participants are also encouraged to ‘carry the weight’ fpr women in need and take on the extra challenge of walking with a weighted vest – weighing the average 10-to16kg that is carried throughout pregnancy. But that’s not all – you’re also invited to get creative with how you participate with prizes awarded for the most out-of-the-box ideas – whether it be pushing a pram, walking your dog, or even carrying a baby doll in a sling.

And with more than 37 per cent of single-mother families in Australia living below the poverty line, and one in four women experiencing domestic violence, CEO of Karinya House, Lavinia Tyrrel says that the demand for Karinya’s services has never been greater

“Women in our community experience more vulnerability during pregnancy and early motherhood than almost any other time in their lives, however, it is also a time where many women are looking to chart a positive path forward for themselves and their infants,”  She explains.

“This walk is about meeting women with care, support and understanding—and walking beside them.”

Respected members of the community will also be leading the event and participating in the challenge, including Parbery Consulting Co-CEO Kylie Burnett, Dak & Co Director Jemma Mrdak, and many other voices from Canberra’s sport, business, healthcare and community sectors.

DOMA group has also pledged its support for the event, as Karinya’s principal sponsor, hoping to help change the lives of women in the Canberra region.

Registrations are now open at karinyawalkforhope.com.au and if you can’t make it on the day, don’t worry.

Individuals, families, workplaces and school groups can sign up, create a fundraising team, or donate to help make sure that no more women experience fear, isolation and uncertainty during pregnancy.

Making a difference in the lives of women and their children, to register or donate, visit karinyawalkforhope.com.au