The 2024 Surf Coast Trek is set to break its fundraising records with over 1,200 trekkers signing up for the event held on Saturday 13 April 2024. This is the highest number of participants in its nine-year history.

Enjoying perfect weather conditions, trekkers made their way through the Ironbark Basin, across stunning exposed cliff tops, across long sandy beaches all with sweeping ocean views towards the festival-style finish line at Elephant Walk, Torquay. This year the finish line attracted plenty of local attention, providing food, drinks, music, and kids entertainment which was made even more enticing with the sunshine.

The Surf Coast Trek is the largest fundraising event each year for Kids+ and the Give Where You Live Foundation, supporting the vital services they provide to the Geelong region.

Kids+ are delighted to award the annual Donna Shaw ‘Spirit of Kids+ Award’ to Kim and Paul Johnson!

The Johnsons have been part of the Kids+ family for over 20 years, since their daughter Abby was 3 years of age. Kim and Paul were instrumental in sparking the original concept of Kids+, along with a small group of other families.

Kim was a Kids+ Board Director and has supported Kids+ to engage with a number of philanthropic partners, ensuring donors have a better and more informed understanding of disability and lived experience. A lifelong advocate, Kim has advocated within her local community for greater accessibility and inclusion. Kim has also volunteered her time making toys and resources that are shared with other Kids+ families.

For many years Paul has used his engineering skills to repair Kids+ and client equipment, and he regularly volunteers his time to keep our centre’s gardens and grounds looking great.

Kim and Paul have been unwavering supporters of Kids+ in so many ways over the past 20 years. We are grateful for their wonderful support, generosity and friendship.