Queensland Lutherans step out to help children step up!

Queensland Lutherans step out to help children step up!

On Saturday 10 May, an inspiring 586 Queenslanders braved the rain to step out at Brisbane Walk My Way to provide food, schooling and shelter to children impacted by war and poverty.

Dressed in bright blue t-shirts, the walkers made for a striking sight against the grey skies as they crossed the Goodwill Bridge at Southbank and meandered along the Brisbane River. Despite the showers, young and old, Lutheran family and community friends, walked side-by-side in a powerful witness of faith in action to the Brisbane community.

So far $75,551 has been raised, which will support 3022 vulnerable children impacted by poverty and war. This year’s walk paid special attention to children affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, while also supporting children in Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, Bangladesh and Nepal.

On the day the generosity of donors was doubled thanks to the LLL $75k Matching Appeal, with donations up to $75,000 matched dollar-for-dollar in support of ALWS’ 75^th anniversary bold goal to support 75,000 children.

Walkers came from near and far –Kingaroy, Dalby, Buderim, and Tallebudgera – united by their desire to bring love to life through the work of ALWS. The walk featured two route options, 3km and 12.5km, beginning and ending at a Community Hub at QUT Gardens Point Campus with food stalls, live entertainment and a special Kids Zone.

Brisbane Walk My Way is part of ALWS’ 75^th Anniversary campaign to provide 75,000 children with the essentials for a happy healthy life – food, school and safety.

Sharing before walkers departed, ALWS Community Engagement Officer Aaron Glover said, ‘As old as ALWS is, the need for our service has not diminished over time. In fact, the need is just as great today as when we started.’

Reflecting after the event, ALWS Community Action Manager Jonathan Krause said it was ‘a joy to be part of a church willing to step out to bring love to life. For ALWS, seeking to support 75,000 children to give thanks for 75 years of ALWS service, was a bold step of faith.

‘Yet, as has happened so many times before, the love and compassion of our Lutheran family shine through – quietly caring for others, humbly doing the hard work no-one but our Father sees, authentically living the values our faith unlocks in us.’

ALWS’ 75^th Anniversary Campaign will continue until the end of 2025. Donations to support children impacted by poverty and war can be made at www.alws75.org.au/.