Raising $100k for the Good Friday Appeal

The iCan Challenge 2026 will take place on Wednesday 1 April 2026 and if you’d like to support this worthy fundraiser, please consider sponsoring one or more of our walkers here.

In 2026, Wantirna College proudly plays host to the iCan Challenge – a community walkathon which raises valuable funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Good Friday Appeal. Held every two years, students, staff and parents participating in the iCan Challenge 2026 will walk 50km in one day, from St Kilda to Frankston.

After raising $50,952 in 2024 with 88 participants, their ambitious goal for 2026 is to raise $100,000!  They’ve got more people walking than ever before (including over 100 students), each hoping to raise at least $500 through sponsorship.

“Many people within our community have a personal connection to the Royal Children’s Hospital, which is why this event resonates with so many, and why it gets bigger each year” said Principal Carrie Wallis.

iCan Challenge 2026 Launch Event

At the launch event in September 2025, students participated in a flag relay around the school, ending at the central courtyard where they could pledge their commitment to join the iCan Challenge in 2026. Live music provided by one of the school’s contemporary bands as well as a ‘hot chocolate van’ and sausage sizzle run by students contributed to a festival feel. Special guests, Jackson Taylor and the Good Friday Appeal Mascot, Welby also attended, with over 100 students pledging to walk.

Practice Walks

Weekly practice walks are held until March 2026 and include two longer weekend walks.  These are vital for ensuring that our walkers are fully trained and prepared to walk 50km in one day.  On Event Day, walkers will be supported by a crew of volunteers who will set up food and drink stations at several rest stops along the way.

Runners

This year, staff member Clarke Bull will run the whole distance, student Blake Jolme will run a half marathon and staff member, Jimmy Le will run 10km!

Sponsors
We thank the following business sponsors who have partnered with us to help us reach our target:

• Pro Quip Intertnational
• Barry Plant Wantirna
• iAthletic
• Adventure Time Travel
• Hands on IT Solutions
• Coles
• Wizard Plumbing
• Micra Air
• Tynan Electrics
• Half Price Printing

iCan Challenge Event Day

What an incredible day it was! The weather was incredible, the views were breath taking and spirits were high! We left at the crack of dawn with media coverage and crossed the finish line at 5pm, raising money all day! We got home to see ourselves on the Channel 7 News! Check out the full story in our Newsletter article here!

Cheque Presentation – Good Friday Appeal

Principal Wallis and iCan Challenge Captains, Ella & Deng presented our big cheque live on TV – but we aren’t finished yet! By the end of the day, we surpassed $80,000! Fundraising continues until the end of Financial Year – help us reach our goal of $100,000 – sponsor one of our walkers here.