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LJ Hooker Wollongong has stepped up as a major sponsor for the 2025 Great Illawarra Walk, an annual fundraising event supporting local children with disabilities and illnesses.
The 40-kilometre walk, scheduled for Saturday, 8 March, will stretch from Shellharbour to Austinmer, aiming to raise crucial funds for KidsWish.
As part of its sponsorship, the real estate agency will provide support along with the route and cover the cost of event t-shirts, ensuring that all funds raised go directly to KidsWish.
KidsWish focuses on enhancing the lives of children and their families through inclusive programs, events and community initiatives.
LJ Hooker Wollongong principal Martin Merritt said the agency was eager to deepen its involvement in the event, which has been running for 17 years and has raised nearly $1.3 million.
“We have been involved with this wonderful event from its inception, and when there was an
opportunity to increase our involvement, we jumped at the chance,” Merritt said.
“We pledge that 100 per cent of the funds raised are to stay in the Illawarra supporting our local youth.”
LJ Hooker’s national network has a long history of charitable involvement, with head of network Australia, Chris Keating, commending the Wollongong team’s efforts.
“Since 1928, our network has raised millions of dollars for worthwhile causes through the LJ Hooker Foundation and also individual offices giving back to the local community, and this is yet another wonderful example,” he said.
“It is a meaningful way to help others and support initiatives that have a lasting impact on families living in our local areas.”
The Great Illawarra Walk will begin at the Bean Roasted Espresso Bar in Shellharbour at 7am and conclude at Headlands Hotel in Austinmer.
Last year’s event drew 700 walkers, and an even larger turnout is expected this year.
A key highlight of the course is the Blue Mile, a scenic and accessible 2-kilometre stretch along the Illawarra coastline.
Merritt said the agency’s team would be actively involved in both walking and assisting with water stations along the route.
“Helping kids in need has been at the heart of our fundraising because many of our staff are parents, we know how vital it is to be able to access the right support and programs,” he said.
“The Illawarra community is very giving; we believe that the youth of today are our future.”
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