The 10,000 Toes Campaign was excited to attend the annual South Queensland Conference (SQC) Big Camp 2022 – their first camp in three years due to COVID-19. In the Big Tent, Pamela Townend (South Pacific Division Health Coordinator) presented an overview of 10,000 Toes’ achievements since launching 5 years ago, thanks to donations from Camp offerings. Pamela also presented at various health workshops throughout the week.

“It was awesome being back at South Queensland Camp after three years and I felt the buzz of excitement around the ground.  It was a privilege to meet and talk with people as they came to support the 10K Toes booth. Camp is a wonderful time to renew old friendships and embark on new ones,” said Pamela.

Nearly $5,000 was raised through the sales of 10,000 Toes umbrellas, socks and donations at the booth in the Camp Expo Hall! Proceeds from each sale help our campaign and approximately 15 people can be tested for diabetes with each pair of socks sold. If you’re looking for the perfect gift this Christmas for your friends and family, please support our worthy cause and order yours here.

At Big Camp, many people shared that they knew about the 10,000 Toes Campaign through Mel Lemke and his desire to raise awareness of diabetes and fundraise for the Campaign by walking the Camino de Santiago. Even more exciting was to watch people’s enthusiasm when they heard that Mel’s brother Lester, has plans to complete the walk in October 2023 in remembrance of Mel. We look forward to sharing more exciting news about this trek in the months to come.