What is The Human Race?

The Human Race is Australian Red Cross’ new signature peer-to-peer fundraising campaign. 

The campaign is open to people of all ages and abilities and challenges participants to run, roll, walk or swim 26km during March to represent the fact that Australian Red Cross is committed to the resilience and wellbeing of all 26 million people living in Australia. Participants have the option to determine a different target distance, or approach based on their ability or preference. 

In a time of increasing risk of crisis, The Human Race puts the power in the hands of people with the passion to participate to help people in Australia experiencing crises.

Why should I sign up to The Human Race?

You will be racing for people like Olena.

Olena fled the conflict in Ukraine earlier this year, leaving behind her home, job and friends. She has found safety in Australia where her daughter and granddaughter live. But building a new life in a country, where she can’t speak the language and knows no one else, has been hard.

“It was hard, both mentally and physically… My life rhythm changed; my self-confidence faltered; I used to be self-sufficient,” she says.

Then she found our Connected Women program. It helps migrant women overcome isolation and feel safe, supported, and valued as they build a life in a new country. Olena says the first time she came to a Connected Women workshop “people stopped to look at me; I saw those kind eyes, and I was welcomed”

“Human interaction heals the soul. … I’m grateful we found this program. I’m glad there’s people, a community where I can come, and they’ll understand me.”

Through Connected Women she has not only found friends, but she has found her confidence, independence and identity again. She is now learning English, and hopes to start volunteering in the community, get her driver’s licence and eventually, a job.

This is just one example of the many ways that Red Cross supports people experiencing crisis - and how the funds you raise could be used.