More than 200 people across Sydney, Melbourne and Perth turned out on Sunday 30 November 2025, for Walk and Ride for Water, a family‑friendly fundraiser organised by the Australian Relief Organisation (ARO) in partnership with Advocate for Dignity (AFD).

The event combined walking and cycling challenges with educational activities and a community fun day to raise funds for sustainable water wells in Asia and Africa and to teach children why clean water is essential.

Participants took part in a variety of challenges, from short community rides and longer endurance routes to a 5 km walk and the emotionally powerful Water Bucket Challenge, in which children carried 5–10 litre buckets over a set distance to experience a task that many children in parts of Africa and Asia perform daily.

The hands‑on activities were designed to build empathy and understanding of how lack of safe water affects schooling, health and family life.

Attendees included parents, teachers and students from Amity, Sirius and Fountain colleges, community leaders and their members, cycling groups such as Muslim Cyclists, Pedal Union‑Perth and Sydney Cycling Sisters, and local representatives including Nathan Hagarty MP, Member for Leppington.

Community members from diverse backgrounds joined the challenges, cheered on participants and contributed donations to fund new wells.

Organisers said the educational competitions, from water‑carrying races to quizzes about hygiene and sanitation, were central to the day’s purpose.

The event highlighted stark realities: every day more than 1,000 children die from illnesses caused by contaminated water; mothers risk injury while carrying heavy containers; and many children miss school to fetch water for their families.

By turning those facts into interactive learning, organisers hoped to inspire long‑term empathy and action among young Australians.

More than 30 volunteers helped run the event, staffing checkpoints, supervising activities and ensuring the family fun day ran smoothly.

Their efforts, together with community donations and sponsorship, delivered a tangible result: funds raised on the day will open seven water wells across Asia and Africa, providing safe water to communities and reducing the burden on children and caregivers.

The event’s success was made possible by generous sponsors: Amity College, AMUST, Beds R Us, Creative Trophies, Fountain College, Galaxy Foundation, RGB, Sirius College and Jumping Castle Party Kings. ARO and AFD expressed heartfelt thanks to every sponsor, volunteer and attendee for their support and commitment to the cause.

Organisers from ARO and AFD said they appreciated everyone’s input and attendance, and they encouraged the wider community to remain involved.

For those who missed the event, it is not too late to contribute: donations can be made via the Walk and Ride page to support Sadaka Jaria gifts on your behalf or in memory of a loved one, visit aro.org.au/wr to give.

The day proved that simple acts, a walk, a ride, a carried bucket, can translate into life‑changing infrastructure for communities overseas, and that education paired with compassion can turn local effort into global impact.

Follow aro.org.au page for current and future events and updates so you can join the next opportunity to turn steps and pedals into life‑saving water infrastructure.