Walking for hope: Why you should join this community event for women in crisis

Posted on 22 July, 2026

Pregnancy is meant to be a joyful milestone. But for many, it’s a time associated with fear, isolation, and uncertainty.

That’s why on Sunday 13 September, Karinya House is once again holding the Walk for Hope, a fundraising event created to support women facing the challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood alone.

Calling for Canberrans to walk with purpose, all funds raised during the day will go directly to Karinya House – a local charity providing 24/7 support to local women who are pregnant, parenting newborns or are in crisis.

Karinya House CEO Lavinia Tyrrel says that the walk is about bringing the Canberra community together to walk beside these women, showing them that their community believes in their strength and agency.

“Many Canberrans are often shocked to learn that there are women in our community who are pregnant or parenting newborn babies and experiencing homelessness, social isolation and/ or living in unsafe situations,” she explains.

“However, pregnancy and early parenting is also a time where many women are looking to chart a positive path forward for themselves and their infants.”

Walk for Hope will see participants walk or run 4.5km or 9km along Lake Burley Griffin, beginning and ending at the Canberra Southern Cross Club Yacht Club.

Some walkers will also be taking on the extra challenge of “carrying the weight of a baby” while they walk – donning weight vests, pillows and even household pets. Representing the average 10–16kg carried during pregnancy, the weight symbolises supporting women experiencing crisis.

DOMA Group has also thrown its support behind the event as major sponsor for the second year in a row.

“We’re incredibly proud to be supporting Karinya House for the second year in a row through the Walk for Hope. Our sponsorship reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the Canberra community and the organisations that make a real difference,” says Lucie Hood, DOMA Group Head of Human Resources and Corporate Services.

“It’s a privilege to be part of an event that is positively supporting the lives of women and their babies and children, and we’re honoured to stand alongside the community in raising vital funds for families.”

Leading the fundraising effort is a dedicated group of Champions who have already signed up to raise vital funds for Karinya House.

Representing a cross-section of Canberra’s sport, business, healthcare and community sectors, two Champions include Jessica Win of Farrar Gesini Dunn and Jemma Mrdak of Dak & Co.

Building on the support for last year’s inaugural event, the 2026 walk is inviting even broader community participation – encouraging schools, community groups, sporting teams and workplaces to get involved. Teams can register together, set a collective fundraising goal and take on the walk or run as a shared challenge.

And as extra encouragement, any individual who raises more than $150 will go into the draw to win prizes on the day, recognising their efforts to make a meaningful difference to the work of Karinya House.

Early Bird Registrations are open now at karinyawalkforhope.com.au.

Photography: Ben Calvert.