One Last Walk, and a Love That Keeps Going
Walking for Wellness and Raising Money for Cancer
On Sunday 4 October, in Melbourne, Australia, we walked the ONJ Walk for Wellness for the final time. More than 3,000 people walked with us: members, friends, supporters, co-workers, franchisees, loved ones, and the memories of loved ones we carry.
Many of our network’s club owners travelled to be there in person. Last weekend marked the conclusion of a massive 15-year community tradition in Melbourne. While the physical walk is being retired due to rising operational expenses, this is not the end of our journey.
“There are new plans on the horizon for things that we will be doing, some very exciting things actually, to continue to raise money for the Wellness Centre.”
By shifting away from high event overheads, our community’s future donations will go even further toward preserving Olivia’s legacy.
During a tribute performance of “Hopelessly Devoted to You”, one of our team noticed a woman standing on her own, quietly shedding a tear. She asked if the woman needed a hug, and the woman leant right in. It was that kind of day, where perfect strangers open their hearts to each other’s stories.
Why we walk
Olivia Newton-John believed in treating the whole person through their cancer journey, and in working toward a world without cancer. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne carries that mission forward every day.
Our team had the opportunity to meet with Olivia’s husband, John, the evening before the event to discuss the ongoing work of the ONJ Foundation Fund. The research funded by the foundation feeds directly into the holistic treatment modalities used at the Centre. These programs focus heavily on the mind, body, and soul elements that Olivia fiercely championed as vital components of true healing.
For us, it’s personal. Many Curves owners have run their clubs for years, and we have all seen what cancer does to our members and their families. Every one of us has owned a club that has lost a member. We remember their names. We walk for them.
Beautiful tributes and a amazing winners
A central part of our connection to this cause is our annual bra decorating contest, a beloved tradition we have hosted inside our clubs for nearly 30 years.
“The bras are really just a symbolic representation of what this really means to women… it’s just a great way to really honour someone.”
This year, we have compiled these inspiring works of art into a beautiful downloadable book, capturing the deeply personal tribute stories behind each design. The winning bras are currently being framed and will be proudly displayed on a featured wall inside the hospital itself.
Nineteen years, side by side
Our story with the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre began in 2007 with a walk along the Great Wall of China. Nineteen years later, Curves women are still showing up, and the mission now reaches across the Curves world.
As this year’s fundraising comes to a close, Curves clubs across Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada are on track to raise more than AUD $200,000 (USD $140,000) over the last three years. In Australia and New Zealand, that support goes to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre. In the United States and Canada, it goes to the ONJ Foundation Fund, which raises funds for research toward a world beyond cancer.
To amplify our impact this month, we have launched a featured Olivia fundraising bracelet on the Curves Shop (for Au and NZ only). This piece is crafted from chrysoprase and amethyst stones. Remarkably, John holds a patent on the unique healing properties of these two specific crystals when paired together. It serves as a beautiful commemorative item to support our collective goal.
It comes down to love
To take part in this initiative is to open your heart. Everyone arrives with their own story of love, care and loss, but we unite in hope, and in the belief that a world beyond cancer is possible.
That is the Curves sisterhood. Our clubs are communities of women who show up for each other in the good times and the hardest ones. At the heart of everything we do at Curves, it really boils down to love. It is our superpower.
Stronger, in every sense
There is another reason this partnership fits so well. Every day in our clubs, we help women build strength. Research now recognises exercise, including strength training, as an important part of cancer care, helping people keep their muscle and physical function, manage fatigue from treatment, and lift their mood and quality of life. Caring for the whole person is what the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre does, and it is what we believe in too.
The walk ends. Our commitment doesn’t.
This was the last ONJ Walk for Wellness, but our support continues, with a new way of fundraising to come next year. We will keep doing everything we can to help the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre thrive, and we will keep sharing its message.
To everyone who walked on Sunday: thank you. As a special thank you, everyone that purchased a ticket now has an entry in our prize draw, and a chance to win a trip to our Curves Bali Retreat in 2027, drawn on 4 November. Those who visited us at our tent on the day also received a BONUS entry.
Our fundraising continues in all markets until 31 October. If you feel aligned with our mission, share your love and support:
- Australia and New Zealand: Support the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre via the AUNZ donation link
- United States and Canada: Support the ONJ Foundation Fund via the USCA donation link
- Commemorative Keepsake: Purchase the chrysoprase and amethyst crystal piece via the Curves Shop (for Au and NZ only)
Ready to Build Your Strength and Join Our Mission?
If you are ready to prioritize your physical health, experience our empowering 30-minute circuit, and support a global sisterhood, we would love to welcome you. This October is the perfect time to join our deeply supportive community. Our coach-led system is built specifically to help you step into your own strength while showing up for a vital cause.
Book Your Discovery Consultation at your local club today to see how Curves can help you step into your own strength!
Passionate About Women’s Health? Bring Curves to Your Community
If you are inspired by the incredible impact of the ONJ Walk for Wellness, you can bring that same powerful energy to your own town. We need passionate leaders to help us build safe fitness sanctuaries and support networks for women everywhere.
If you are ready to combine your passion for strengthening women with your career goals, owning your own Curves Club is your next great milestone. Click below to access our comprehensive franchise information kit and learn how you can transform your local community today.
