This year, we were privileged to create a custom-branded 3 × 3 metre marquee for the Lachlan McLaren Foundation, a community charity with a heartfelt mission. The marquee took pride of place at Lachie’s Walk, the foundation’s annual fundraising event, held on Sunday 10 August 2025 at Mentone Grammar Oval.
What unfolded that day was more than a walk along the foreshore. It was a living tribute to a young man whose life was tragically cut short, and a show of strength from a community determined to help others in his name.
The Foundation
Formed by Lachie’s family in 2023, the foundation exists to continue the values he lived by. Its goals are focused, practical and community-oriented:
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Supporting victims of road trauma through funding for Amber Community, which offers free counselling and support services.
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Assisting local families in need with essentials like school uniforms, sports equipment, driving lessons and camp fees.
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Raising road safety awareness to help prevent further tragedies.
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Promoting kindness and connection in schools, clubs and the community.
In just a short time, the foundation has made a measurable difference. It has donated more than $22,000 to Amber Community, provided 15 free driving lessons to young people who otherwise could not afford them, and sponsored underprivileged teenagers to participate in representative basketball. It has also launched initiatives like “Kindness Week” in schools, where students engage in activities that promote empathy, generosity and inclusion. Local sports clubs have worn red armbands in Lachie’s honour, and local cafes have joined “pay it forward” coffee campaigns to brighten someone’s day.
Lachie’s Walk: A Tribute in Motion
Lachie’s Walk is the foundation’s major annual event. It is part memorial, part fundraiser, and entirely about community. In 2025, the event was held on Sunday 10 August at Mentone Grammar Oval. From early in the morning, the oval came alive with music, sizzling barbecues, the smell of coffee, and the sight of people arriving in red shirts and hats. Volunteers welcomed families, friends, neighbours and even strangers who had been touched by Lachie’s story. The walk itself covered 5 kilometres along the Mentone Foreshore, offering stunning views of the bay. Some participants walked briskly, others strolled with children and dogs, but all shared the same sense of purpose. The walk concluded back at the oval, where people gathered to enjoy food, listen to live music, and connect with others. There were speeches from Lachie’s family and foundation representatives, moments of silence, and many personal stories shared about the young man they were all honouring.
Continuing the Legacy
Events like Lachie’s Walk are more than annual traditions. They are vital for sustaining the work of the Lachlan McLaren Foundation throughout the year. The funds raised go directly into programs that change lives, whether by providing counselling to a family affected by road trauma or buying sports shoes for a child so they can join a local team. The foundation’s work ensures that Lachie’s name is associated not only with tragedy but with hope, kindness and practical support for those who need it most. Being part of this project was an honour. The marquee we created will continue to be used at future events, helping the foundation raise awareness and bring people together. It is a small contribution in the grand scheme, but it supports a cause that has a profound impact on the community. The story of the Lachlan McLaren Foundation is a reminder that even in the face of devastating loss, people can come together to create something positive and lasting. We are proud to have played a role in that story and look forward to seeing the foundation continue its important work.
