With distances ranging from a cruisy 5km to an endurance 20km, 56 teams rose to the fitness challenge – with team spirit, fun and community at the heart of the event. Each step clocked around Albert Park Lake brought the Foundation closer to their fundraising goal of 150K for The Haven Project building projects.

Runner and walkers enjoyed a blue-sky day by the water, with a chance to catch up with mates and enjoy time away from worksites and offices. CBRE attended to everyone’s hydration needs with a popular juice bar, while ISPT had caffeine covered at their coffee cart and McCormack kept everyone on track at their on-course feed station. We were joined by special guest World boxing super middleweight champion Anthony Mundine, from MGM Australia, and Gracie, the adorable Dulux dog, made a special guest appearance at the Dulux marquee, posing for fluffy photo opps.

“Steps for Homeless Youth is one of our most successful events, bringing the Victorian construction and property industry together to raise awareness for homeless youth and to fundraise towards secure homes and support so they can repair their lives and plan for a stable future,” says Property Industry Foundation CEO Kate Mills.

After the event, it was time to unwind with drinks, yummy canapes, food stations and prize presentations at newly renovated The Lakeside Pavilion. Winners in each category were announced, with guests also hearing from Melinda Lawley, CEO of The Bridge Youth & Family Services – the Foundation’s frontline partner on the recently opened Haven House Shepparton (The Nest) in regional Victoria – 3 x 2-bedroom homes where young mothers and their children can find shelter and make a fresh start.

“Steps for Homeless Youth celebrates community spirit and generosity, with over 680 runners and walkers joining us this year to show their support for homeless youth,” says the Foundation’s Victorian State Manager Priscilla Heathwood. “The fundraising effort of every stepper helps the Foundation to build more safe homes and provide wraparound support to at-risk young people, putting them on a path to a brighter future. We are enormously grateful to everyone involved in the event.”

Thank you to our event sponsors, the VIC Future Leaders Committee for their help in organising the day, board members, volunteers and everyone who made this event possible.