Motivated by the cause, Veer shared that his involvement was deeply personal. “Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, with 1 in 3 Kiwis being diagnosed in their lifetime. I wanted to contribute to something that would directly support patients in need,” he explained.
The walkathon, which began as an idea six months prior, grew into a large-scale community event through the efforts of a committed student team. Initially responsible for designing promotional materials such as posters, banners, and social media content, Veer’s role quickly expanded to include logistics, sponsorship coordination, and digital communications.
One of the biggest challenges was building awareness and gaining public support. “We relied heavily on social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, as well as volunteers helping to spread the word,” he said. The team also faced an unexpected setback when their fundraising platform experienced a major outage. “We had to quickly rebuild everything on a new platform to avoid disruption - it was stressful, but we worked together to solve it.”
The success of the event was driven by both strategic planning and the strength of its purpose. By positioning the walkathon as not only a fundraiser but also an awareness campaign, the team connected with a wide audience - including cancer survivors and healthcare professionals. “We wanted people to understand the importance of being proactive about their health and to recognise the incredible work of the Cancer Society.”
On the day of the event, participants walked the full 21km route, supported by four checkpoints offering refreshments, seating, and medical assistance. Despite the heat, Veer balanced completing the walk with helping manage participant safety - particularly for elderly walkers. “It was challenging but rewarding. Everyone’s wellbeing was our top priority.”
A standout moment came when all participants reached the finish line safely, followed by the announcement of the final fundraising total. “That’s when it really hit us -everyone’s hard work had paid off.”
Beyond the walkathon, Veer also contributed to organising a Gala Dinner attended by the Minister of Health and the CEO of the Cancer Society. Supporting the awards ceremony and ensuring guests were well looked after provided valuable experience in event management and professionalism.
Reflecting on the experience, he highlighted key lessons in leadership: “I learned the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and staying calm under pressure. It also taught me how to motivate others and solve problems quickly.”
The event was made even more meaningful through family involvement, with Veer’s father serving as Project Manager and his younger sister volunteering on the day. “It was a proud moment seeing my whole family come together to support such an important cause.”
This inspiring initiative showcases the impact of student leadership, community collaboration, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Want to see how ACG Sunderland empowers students to lead meaningful change? Visit us and experience our community firsthand by booking a guided tour today.
