What’s happening?
Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club has taken its support for the Leukaemia Foundation half a million steps further through its annual Laps for Leukaemia Charity Walk.
The initiative was expanded this year, with 40 employees committing to take part in a continuous walk around the Sharks’ oval.
Throughout the event, staff rotated in shifts to ensure the walk never stopped. Even during heavy rain, at least one staff member remained on the oval.
Victoria Point Sharks General Manager Rhys Faint said the level of commitment stood out.
“There was incredible buy-in from staff, many of whom chipped in beyond the requested two hours of walking support,” Mr Faint said.
The cause carries deep meaning for the club’s Head Chef, Josh Springfield.
Mr Springfield was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at just two years of age and spent much of his younger life in and out of hospital undergoing chemo, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants.
Today, he is one of the lucky ones who is still alive to share his story.
Mr Faint said the partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation began two and a half years ago after the club was approached for a donation.
“We thought we could do better than that, so as a community club we really got behind the cause and built upon that support with a sports lunch and, now in its second year, the Laps for Leukaemia Charity Walk,” he said.
“Last year, most of the donations were made during the event itself. So our strategy this year was to maximise the amount of time spent walking to hopefully bring more money in for the worthy cause.
“It paid off, with this year’s event raising more than twice as much as we did in 2025, which is just incredible.”
Why it matters
Funds raised through Laps for Leukaemia will now support Australians living with blood cancer.
The money will help fund research aimed at reaching zero deaths by 2035. It will also provide free accommodation near hospitals, transport patients to treatment, and deliver emotional and practical support.
Clubs Queensland CEO Kelly Egan said events like this reflect what community clubs stand for.
“Our strength lies in the communities in which we are built upon; fundraising efforts to support those within our community is part of the fabric of each and every club,” Mr Egan said.
“Testimony to this is not just the dollars raised by Victoria Point Sharks Sporting Club but the contribution of time and energy from so many staff members – people who have taken a significant chunk of time out of their busy lives to show their support for such a worthy cause.”
Local impact
This effort shows how a local club can turn collective time and energy into practical support for Australians facing blood cancer.
The funds raised will directly contribute to research, accommodation and patient support services.
By the numbers
The scale of the 2026 event is clear:
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The walk ran for 72 hours, from 7 pm on Thursday, 12 February to 7 pm on Sunday, 15 February.
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Staff completed 910 laps of the oval, contributing to more than 2,500 combined laps walked.
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A cumulative distance of 1,125 kilometres was covered, raising $40,096 in 2026 compared with $17,000 in 2025.
Zoom in
For Mr Josh Springfield, the event is more than a fundraiser.
His early childhood was marked by treatment, hospital stays and recovery. The walk stands as a reminder of why support for blood cancer patients matters.
Staff commitment shaped the outcome. Participation extended beyond minimum time slots, and the walk continued uninterrupted despite wet conditions.
Zoom out
Clubs Queensland represents membership-based, not-for-profit organisations serving communities across the state.
There are more than 1,200 community clubs in Queensland with a combined 4.1 million memberships.
Clubs employ more than 23,000 people, return over $460 million in community contributions and generate more than $2 billion in annual economic activity.
Surpluses are reinvested into surrounding communities through cash and non-cash support, community assets and volunteer mobilisation.
Clubs also act as social hubs where members share values and belonging, strengthening community cohesion.
What to look for next?
With the event now in its second year, attention will turn to how Victoria Point Sharks continues building its partnership with the Leukaemia Foundation in the years ahead.
