FAQ's
New to StepUp4ICU? Find answers to the most common questions below and get ready to step up for intensive care.
About the Challenge
What is StepUp4ICU?
StepUp4ICU is a fundraising walking challenge where participants aim to complete 200,000 steps during October. That’s around 6,500 steps per day, achievable for most people at any fitness level. This represents the 200,000 people admitted to intensive care across Australia and New Zealand each year, while raising funds to support life-saving ICU research and education.
Who can take part?
Anyone can participate, individuals, teams, workplaces, schools, community groups and ICU staff. You don’t need any medical knowledge or experience.
When does the challenge take place?
The campaign runs during October 2026. You can join at any time during the campaign period.
How do I log my steps?
You can track your steps using your phone (Apple Health, Google Fit) or a fitness tracker (e.g. Fitbit, Garmin). You can then manually update your progress on your fundraising page, or connect your device if integration is available.
Connecting your device:
1. Download the Fitbit, Strava, MapMyFitness or Garmin app and set up your account
2. Log in to your StepUp4ICU account.
3. Under the heading Connect your preferred Fitness app, click your chosen app.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your account
5. When you next work out, select start your workout in the app on your phone. Once you end your workout, save your workout and your distance will be published to the tally on your page the following day. If you have synced your app already but it is not working, please log in and re-connect it.
Manually adding activity:
1. Log in to your account and select My Fitness Activity.
2. Under Add activity, enter the required fields. Depending on the challenge this may be steps, distance and/duration.
3. The logged activity will now appear on your fundraising page!
Do I need to be fit to participate?
Not at all. This challenge is about moving more than you usually do, every step counts.
Getting Started
How do I register?
Simply sign up through our online platform. Once registered, you’ll receive access to your own personal fundraising page.
Is there a registration fee?
No, registration is completely free.
What happens after I register?
You’ll gain access to your personal dashboard where you can:
- Track donations in real time
- Update your fundraising page
- Download resources
- Share your page with supporters
You’ll also receive helpful emails with tips and encouragement.
What information do I need to provide?
You’ll be asked for basic details such as your name, email address and fundraising goal.Â
Can I register multiple participants under one email?
Each participant should register individually to ensure accurate tracking and communication, but teams can fundraise collectively.
Fundraising
How do I start fundraising?
Once registered, personalise your fundraising page with your story and photos, then share it with your network. We provide a digital toolkit with messaging ideas, images and tips to help you get started.
How do I share my fundraising page?
You’ll receive a unique link that can be shared via:
- Social media
- SMS
- QR code
Is there a minimum fundraising target?
No minimum is required. However, setting a goal (e.g. $250, $500, $1,000 or more) can help motivate your supporters.
Can I fundraise as part of a team?
Absolutely! Teams are a great way to boost motivation and impact, especially in workplaces, schools, ICU teams and sporting clubs.
Can I customise my fundraising page?
Yes, you can upload photos, add your personal story, set a fundraising goal, post updates and milestones to keep supporters engaged.
Can someone donate without registering?
Yes. Supporters can make a one-time donation directly to your page, no account is required.
How are donations processed and receipts issued?
All donations are processed securely through the Funraisin platform and transferred directly to ANZICF. Receipts are automatically emailed to donors after each donation.
The Cause
What does the Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Foundation do?
ANZICF funds grants for research, education and professional development to improve outcomes for critically ill patients.
Why is intensive care research important?
Around 1 in 2 Australians and New Zealanders will require intensive care at some point in their lives. Research helps improves survival rates, recovery outcomes and quality of life after a critical illness. Â
How will the funds I raise make a difference?
Every dollar raised helps fund vital intensive care research, education and professional development. This supports ICU teams to deliver better care and improve outcomes for critically ill patients across Australia and New Zealand.
Why is early-stage research important?
Early-stage seed funding enables innovative ideas to progress to larger competitive grants and national research programs that improve patient survival rates and outcomes.
Teams and Workplaces
Can my workplace get involved?
Yes. StepUp4ICU is ideal for workplaces. You can create teams, encourage friendly competition and promote wellbeing while supporting a great cause.
Can we track team progress?
Yes. Leaderboards allow you to see how individuals and teams are performing throughout the challenge.
General
How can I stay updated on ANZICF's impact?
Sign up to our newsletter https://intensivecarefoundation.org.au/ to receive updates on how your fundraising is making a difference.
Can I edit my page after it goes live?
Yes. You can log in anytime to update your story, photos, progress and fundraising goal.
Will my supporters see my progress?
Yes. Your page updates in real time, and leaderboards can show individual and team rankings.
Who do I contact if I need help or technical support?
For campaign support, contact the ANZICF team at fundraising@intensivecarefoundation.org.au
For technical issues with the platform, visit the Funraisin Help Centre at support.funraisin.co
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