NFIA Patron's Walk chalks up $1M in donations to help veterans

The National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) Patron's Walk has raised more than $1 million for brain and medical research to help support soldiers and those living with mental health conditions.

NFIA Patron Brian Davies said the association and its members wanted to make a significant impact by supporting research that saved and improved lives.

"The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is on the brink of major discoveries which have the potential to have an enormous impact on those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression, and concussion,” Mr Davies said.

“Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) is also working to support first responders to help veterans in suicidal crisis.

“Our walk supports over 20 different medical research programs, including brain cancer, stroke, epilepsy, dementia, melanoma, to name a few – conditions that touch all of us in some way every day,” Mr Davies said.

“Together they can help improve the wellbeing of our current and former service personnel and their families.”

The Patron of the NFIA, Brian and his wife Liz have organised three charity walks, gathering online donations and hosting events in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to fundraise.

The $1 million milestone achievement has been five years in the making, kickstarted in 2019 with the group’s inaugural walk along the Great Ocean Road which raised $255,000.

In 2022, the second NFIA Patron's Walk in Tasmania’s Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park raised the fundraising total to $765,000.

Now in its final year, this year’s walk will explore the spectacular Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail in South Australia in October 2024 and has already raised $235,000.

“From the first walk in 2019, we steadily worked away at our goal and have been overwhelmed by the community’s support,” Mr Davies said.

“We couldn’t have done this without all of our Gold and Angel Sponsors, who, along with over 2,500 members and friends, have attended our functions.

“The walk has received incredible support from the Australian sporting community.

“While there are too many to list everyone, a special acknowledgement to Wally Lewis AM, Jeff Thompson and Greg Chappell, who are collectively mainly responsible for the success of our functions around Australia.

“I would also like to acknowledge Tim Thomas, a Veteran Ambassador for the walk.

“Tim has been to every walk and is passionate about raising awareness for veteran mental health and reintegration.

“We aimed to raise $500,000 over three walks, but we’ve smashed that target, and while we’ve reached $1 million, we’re still raising funds for much-needed research.

“The commitment and compassion of the NFIA community has been tremendous.

“We believe by giving, we can help researchers reach important milestones faster.” 

QBI Executive Director Professor Pankaj Sah thanked Brian for his vision and drive.

“Brian has inspired NFIA members and the community to get behind brain and medical research, raising funds and, importantly, awareness about the need for research," Professor Sah said.

"I am looking forward to participating in the third walk later this year."

GMR Chief Executive Officer Miriam Kent said Brian and the other trekkers have been an inspiration.

“Brian’s tenacity is inspiring, and his commitment to the goal is evident in what has been achieved already,” Ms Kent said.

“He has brought great awareness to the medical research required to help veterans, their families, and the wider community.”

All funds raised are distributed evenly between QBI and GMR.

To support the 2024 team, please visit the NFIA webpage.