Over $226,000 Donated for Darkness to Daylight 2023
The sun has set on the 10th Darkness to Daylight, after 2431 people took part and more than $226,000 was raised.
Challenge DV brought 2023’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month to a close with its annual community event for all fitness levels and abilities.
The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens was abuzz with contenders joining the 110km overnight run on May 30th, and then the 10km run and 3km walk in the early hours of May 31st.
Accompanying the serious runners of all ages on the course were high school students and their blankets, kids on scooters, walkers in tutus, and a few four-legged friends of the furry kind. People were encouraged by a small but committed crowd, led by the ever-energetic F45 trainers.
While the styles of participation varied, there was a collective feeling of goodwill; a sense of hope and positivity that warmed everybody’s hearts despite the frigid temperatures.
In Australia, an average of 110 people die as a result of domestic and family violence every year. The 110km Darkness to Daylight event honours each of the lives lost.
Students from St Teresa’s Catholic College in Noosa ran all night and raised over $11,400, guided by the school’s business manager and marathon runner Mark Roberton. Event founder Rob Reed from Minter Ellison also persisted throughout the night. Challenge DV patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PMS, kicked off the 3km walk, proudly donning her Darkness to Daylight shoelaces.
Challenge DV CEO Keith Tracey-Patte described the occasion as an important opportunity to acknowledge the people who have died at the hands of an abuser, and also to recognise the community’s support for ending domestic and family violence.
“Darkness to Daylight is all about making a stand, driving community awareness and education, and raising crucial funds to help prevent domestic and family violence,” he said.
Mr Tracey-Patte said now is an ideal time to make the most of the post-event momentum and to build on domestic and family violence awareness by implementing training that embeds and enhances understanding.
“Our workplace programs empower businesses to be part of the solution by educating managers and staff to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence, to respond appropriately, and to refer people to the best supports,” he said.
