Step into a world of light and illumination with the Bright Walk tonight. It’s an extraordinary fundraising event organised by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
From 5pm today, grab your brightest clothing and take on the challenge of walking 15 kilometres through the heart of Adelaide after dark. Not only will you be supporting lifesaving medical research, but you will also have the chance to immerse yourself in the mesmerising Illuminate Adelaide light installations along the way.
As darkness falls and the winter chill sets in, the BRIGHT Walk commences its journey from Adelaide’s CBD, guiding participants through a secret route that winds its way to North Adelaide and through the city centre.
Be prepared to be amazed as you witness the city come alive with vibrant light displays. A highlight is the SAHMRI Cheesgrater building, which will be lit up as a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
Participants will need to find sponsors, as every dollar raised helps SAHMRI get closer to their fundraising goal, to help fund important medical research.
SAHMRI’s head of fundraising, Dave Simms says the timing and distance are deliberately challenging.
“Everyone who’s experienced poor health personally or with a loved one – and the unfortunate reality is that pretty well all of us have – is that it can be a pretty dark experience,” he said.
“But amid the darkness, and by taking on the challenge together, there is hope. SAHMRI represents that hope for so many people in South Australia and beyond who are battling disease.”
SAHMRI is South Australia’s independent, not-for-profit health and medical research institute. Its research is seeking solutions to the major health challenges society is facing today. All the funds raised will support the tireless efforts of hundreds of researchers who work collaboratively to find innovative ways to cure disease and save lives.
The official launch of the event included a stunt by SAHMRI BRIGHT Walk Ambassador Pete McDonald who walked 75 laps (15km) on the roof of SAHMRI’s iconic building – 10 storeys above North Terrace.
Showcase SA, an organisation which connects South Australia’s business community, partnered with SAHMRI to bring the top pillar of local businesses together to garner corporate support for the walk.
SAHMRI aims to raise one million dollars from the Bright Walk to take local health researchers a step closer to making life-changing discoveries.
Last year, Dr Andrew Shoubridge was the winner of the first SAHMRI BRIGHT Accelerator award. This award, entirely funded by the proceeds of the 2022 SAHMRI Bright Walk, provided $100k for his team to supercharge their research into the prevention, early detection and treatment of dementia.
“I’m so proud to be SAHMRI’s inaugural BRIGHT Accelerator and represent all the amazing research being conducted at our institute. Being funded directly by the community has allowed me to take on a unique project to prevent dementia that wouldn’t be possible otherwise; there’s something very special about that,” Andrew says.
“This year, we’re hoping that 2,500 people will walk alongside us and raise $1 million to help me and my SAHMRI colleagues continue our research, cure disease and save lives. Sign up today – we’d love you to be part of it.”
The more funds you raise, the more exclusive goodies you can earn. With prizes such as water bottles, beanies, and socks up for grabs, your fundraising efforts are rewarded every step of the way.
Don’t miss out on this illuminating experience! On 22 July, join the SAHMRI Bright Walk leading the way towards a brighter, healthier future.
SAHMRI’s BRIGHT Walk
When: Saturday 22 July 2023 at 5pm.
Register: Click here
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