Walk through the night to raise funds for UNICEF
Following a successful inaugural event in 2024, UNICEF’s Dusk to Dawn walk is back on 21 November, taking participants on a 42-kilometre overnight walk from North Sydney to Bondi, while supporting the world’s largest children’s charity.
The Dusk to Dawn walk had 1,000 participants in 2024 and UNICEF intends to make it an annual event.
The charity wanted it to be ‘uniquely different’ to other walks, Libby Hodgson, director of fundraising and UNICEF spokesperson says.
“So, we were thinking, ‘What’s something that our supporters can do that’s really going to test and challenge them and put them in an unusual situation?’” Libby says.
“The idea at the heart of Dusk to Dawn is that participants walk through the night while UNICEF teams all around the world are continuing to work through the night to support children and families affected by emergencies.”
UNICEF’s work supporting emergency responses includes the provision of clean water, nutrition, medical supplies and protection for children. “All of the things that we know are really urgently needed in the moment of crisis,” Libby says.
A challenge of marathon distance, Dusk to Dawn is a walk rather than a run, aiming to ‘be as inclusive as possible.’
With volunteers and night guides along the route to support walkers and keep up the motivation, ‘it’s just a really great atmosphere of everyone encouraging each other,’ Libby says.
“People know that they’re really taking on a genuine endurance challenge. But they’re also doing something that’s quite unique and unusual, experiencing their city in a way that maybe they haven’t had the opportunity to experience before.”
After signing up, walkers set themselves a fundraising goal and are encouraged to share with their networks.
The Dusk to Dawn team is there to support the process, with everyone receiving tips and advice.
Libby is participating in the walk herself this year, alongside fellow UNICEF staff. “I think it’s one thing asking other people to do it. It’s another thing actually doing it yourself,” she says.
“I’m motivated by supporting the team here, by participating and experiencing all of the work they’re putting in to making this a great event, but also an opportunity to do something to genuinely support the work of UNICEF.
“I deeply believe in the work that we do and I’m very proud to do this walk to support them.”
At time of print, over 1,200 have signed up for this year’s Dusk to Dawn, and UNICEF is hoping to raise over $1 million.
Registrations are still open for those who want to take on the challenge and support a great cause along the way. There are also many opportunities to volunteer at the event.
NL readers can use the code NORTH50 to receive 50% off registration.
UNICEF DUSK TO DAWN
Saturday 21 November
St Leonards Park, North Sydney to Bondi Pavilion