Media Alert 
Blind resident Dale Pierce will run 100km in less than a day to raise vital funds for people who are blind or have low vision as part of Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way fundraiser.
Starting from midnight on April 1, Dale will commence his run at Planet Fitness Delacombe with his running guide, Kel, from Ballarat Care and hopes to complete the challenge by 5pm the same day.
“The response from the Ballarat community has been incredible. Planet Fitness will open the gym up to all members of the public who would like to support me and get involved. My local Park Run participants will also be there to cheer me on, as will my Seeing Eye Dog, Yana. Even the Mayor has said she will join in,” said Dale.
“I encourage anyone who is willing and able to, to come down and donate. My aim is to inspire others living with a disability to live their life and not to be afraid to give something a go.
“When I first received my blindness diagnosis, I thought all was lost; I lost my job, car and independence virtually overnight. It would’ve helped me immensely if I had someone with a similar diagnosis tell me that I can still do the things I love, just differently.
“I’m very passionate about raising funds for Vision Australia. Thanks to them I’ve been able to regain my independence through their services, such as orientation and mobility training, disability employment services, occupational therapy and assistive technology.”
Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way fundraiser encourages people to move 100km during the month of April to raise funds for people who are blind or have low vision so that they can live active and independent lives.
To register, head to www.fundraise.visionaustralia.org/register/100kyourway
Media Call Details:
What: Ballarat man to run 100km to raise funds for blind and low vision Australians, as part of Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way fundraiser.
When: Tuesday April 1st from 9am to 10am.
Where: Planet Fitness - 331 Glenelg Highway, Smythes Creek, Delacombe Town Centre
VisionOpportunities:
Dale Pierce running on the treadmill, joined by other Ballarat locals – young and old.
Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves walking side-by-side with Dale and joining him on his challenge.
Dale’s Seeing Eye Dog, Yana, joining Dale at Planet Fitness. Yana guiding Dale to and from the treadmill on his breaks.
Interviews with Mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves, friends and family of Dale, as well as other members of the community.
- Ends –
About us:
About Vision Australia
Vision Australia is a leading provider of blindness related services. We offer a wide range of services, equipment and training so people who are blind or have low vision can live the life they choose.
Whether it’s at home, work, school or in the community, our expert staff provide clients across all age groups with skills and tools to help lead active, safe and independent lives.
Visit our website at www.visionaustralia.org
Contact details:
Stephanie Steinhoff-Pino
0449 254 655
