Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
Grab your walking shoes, round up your four-legged friends, and get ready to walk with Pride this November, all for a great cause!
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is calling on Kiwi across the motu to get behind Pride Unleashed, a month-long fundraising challenge kicking off on Sunday 1 November, raising vital funds to support Rainbow communities across Aotearoa.
Whether it’s 10km, 25km or an ambitious 100km, participants can choose their own distance, get moving with their furry companions, and help raise $150,000 to support Rainbow communities. With one in two LGBTQIA+ people estimated to experience mental illness during their lifetime, initiatives like Pride Unleashed are an important reminder of the need for connection, inclusion and accessible support.
Jennifer Swain, Fundraising Manager at Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, says Pride Unleashed is about bringing people together while making a meaningful difference.
“Pride Unleashed is such a wonderful way for people to get involved, have some fun and support our Rainbow communities. Whether you’re walking around the block with your dog (or cat), or taking on 100 kilometres throughout November, every step counts, and every dollar raised makes a difference.”
“We know that too many Rainbow Kiwis continue to experience stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing the support they need. This is an opportunity for all of us to show our support in a really positive, practical way, while looking after our own wellbeing along the way.”
Taking part is simple: sign up, choose your distance, get walking throughout November and raise funds along the way. Participants can also earn rewards for their four-legged companions as they reach fundraising milestones. With a fundraising target of $150,000, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa hopes Kiwis from all walks of life will get behind the initiative.
“We’re encouraging everyone to get involved. You don’t need to be an athlete, and you certainly don’t need to walk 100 kilometres, you can wheel, ride or jump on a scooter! It’s about getting outside, connecting with others and knowing that something as simple as walking your four-legged friend can help make a real difference,” says Swain.
“We would absolutely love to see Aotearoa come together and help us reach our $150,000 goal. So grab the lead, rally your friends and whānau, and let’s put our paws to the cause!”
How to get involved:
- Sign up: Register for Pride Unleashed.
- Choose your challenge: Walk (or sashay) 10km, 25km or 100km throughout November.
- Get fundraising: Encourage friends, whānau and colleagues to support your
- efforts.
- Walk with Pride: Get moving with your four-legged friend, support your
- wellbeing and help make a difference.
Pride Unleashed runs from 1-30 November 2026. To register or find out more: [Sweat with Pride : Register (https://www.sweatwithpride.com/register/prideunleashed/)]