This October, we’re walking side-by-side with our friends at Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) as they celebrate their 20th anniversary with a bold new fundraising event Walk for Prems: The Mighty Trek Challenge, proudly presented by Baby Bunting.
For Earlybirds, this milestone holds special meaning. Since the very first Walk for Prems, we’ve proudly stood alongside LLTF, raising awareness, donating proceeds, sponsoring past walks, attending the walk each year and helping spread the message that no family should ever feel alone on their NICU journey.
As Australia’s largest event dedicated to supporting families of premature and sick babies, Walk for Prems has grown from a single community event to a nationwide movement. And now, for the foundation’s 20-year celebration, it’s about to go even further, 900 kilometres further, to be exact!
A Mighty Journey for Tiny Treasures
The Mighty Trek Challenge will see participants push a NICU incubator 900km along a route from Sydney to Melbourne, visiting 20 locations throughout October 2025.
Each stop will host a special Walk for Prems event, uniting families, hospital staff, and supporters to raise funds, share stories, and celebrate the incredible strength of our NICU community.
It’s a symbolic and heartfelt tribute to the journey so many families face, a reminder that with each step, we move closer to brighter beginnings for babies born too soon or too sick.
Together, Let’s Raise $1 Million for NICU Families
This year’s goal is the foundation’s most ambitious yet, to raise $1 million to expand LLTF’s reach into 20 tertiary hospitals by 2026, doubling the number of families who can access vital hands-on support during their hospital journey.
Health professionals and hospitals can also form official Hospital Teams, with 50% of funds raised returning directly to their own NICU or Special Care Nursery to purchase much-needed equipment, training or comfort items for families.
“Together, let’s raise $1 million for premature and sick babies,” said Felicia Welstead, CEO of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation.
“This vital funding will enable us to expand our presence with support staff in 20 tertiary hospitals by 2026—doubling our capacity to help families at one of the toughest times in their life.”
Earlybirds & Life’s Little Treasures Foundation: 20 Years of Shared Purpose
From the very beginning, Earlybirds and LLTF have shared one mission, to support premature and sick babies and their families.
Over the years, we’ve partnered with the foundation in countless ways, through donations, giveaways, fundraising drives and special events like Walk for Prems and Picnic For Prems, helping raise funds and awareness for families navigating the uncertainty of NICU life.
Many of our customers have been directly supported by LLTF and we see every day how their programs from information packs to peer support truly change lives.
We’re honoured to continue walking beside them, especially in such a milestone year.
How You Can Get Involved
No matter where you are, there’s a way to join The Mighty Trek Challenge and make a mighty impact!
🦘 Join the Walk for Prems Events Along the Route
Attend one of the 20 Mighty Trek locations from Sydney to Melbourne and take part in the signature Walk for Prems, featuring family-friendly entertainment and a beautiful remembrance ceremony.
You can even book a slot to push the incubator — a powerful symbol of the NICU journey.
🌏 Take on the Virtual Challenge
Join in from anywhere!
Choose your own distance and activity for October — whether you walk, ride or run — and help raise funds from your hometown.
💼 Get Your Workplace Involved
Businesses can take part through the 20 Leaders for 20 Years initiative, team fundraising, or sponsoring kilometres of the Trek. Every contribution helps reach the $1 million goal.
Event Dates and Locations
The Mighty Trek will visit 20 locations between Sydney and Melbourne throughout October 2025, including community Walk for Prems events in Adelaide (5 Oct), Brisbane (19 Oct) and Perth (26 Oct).
You can find the full list of event dates and details here.
Why It Matters
Each year, 48,000 babies in Australia are born premature or sick. One in seven requires care in a NICU or Special Care Nursery.
For 20 years, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation has been there — providing emotional support, practical resources and a sense of community for families facing one of life’s toughest journeys.
At Earlybirds, we’ve seen firsthand how their work changes lives — and we’re so proud to be part of their story.
Join the Mighty Trek Challenge
Walk with us. Donate. Cheer from afar.
Every step, every dollar, every story shared makes a difference for families of premature and sick babies.
Register or learn more at themightytrek.org.au
