Samuel McDonald joined Lockie on Afternoons to talk about Hike for Change.

Samuel is a police officer, but another passion he has is running for important causes. He started Hike for Change a year ago and decided that he was going to do a major hiking challenge each year in the pursuit of helping others.

Hike for Change

“It’s called Hike for Change. I run a social media account on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. Doing some kind of charity work or some major challenge to raise funds for those who need it the most.”

He completed the Cape to Cape track down south in March 2025, which was 135 kilometres in five days.

“I was able to raise $1000 at that time for Tenacious House, which is an organisation that helps those with addiction and life controlling issues. And I said from that point on with God, I’m like, this is what I’m going to do every year from here on out.”

The Reason for the Run

Samuel has been a Christian since 2004.

“I go to Global Heart Church in Joondalup. I’ve been a Christian since 2004. I got saved, gave my life to God when I was just 13 and never looked back.”

He said it shapes everything he does in life and is exactly the reason he runs for these organisations to help others.

The Call of the Police Force

Samuel also talked about his role as a Police Officer.

“I feel it’s a calling. I prayerfully thought about it. It’s not just a job, it’s something that I take pride in.”

There are so many stories that have impacted Samuel over the years in the police force, but he is able to leave most of it at work.

“It annoys my wife,” he remarked. “She’ll ask me about cool things that happened that day, and I’m like, well, I honestly can’t really remember that much. It’s probably a good safety net.”

Cape to Cape

Samuel has another Cape to Cape run coming up on June 21st, a 135k hike. His aim is to do it over 24 hours.

“It’s a massive task and it definitely scares me, but that’s the point. And I’ve purposely done it on June 21st as well, because that’s the winter solstice. So it’s going to be the longest night of the year, possibly the coldest, possibly stormy and rainy.”

Tenacious House

He will once again be raising proceeds for Tenacious House.

“It’s an amazing organisation in northern suburbs of Perth that’s truly helping people recover from addiction and life controlling issues. So far, they’ve helped over 400 where people get true recovery, get accommodation, get work, get back with their families and I’m really passionate about that and I’m looking to raise $5,000 for that organisation.”

Hike for Change is growing rapidly, with his friends, family and members of the church getting involved.

“There’s going to be so many members of the community coming down on the day as well to support me for a couple laps around the Zamir Trail and it’s going to be fantastic.”

Social Media and Donations

To follow Hike for Change, head to Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

“It has a link with all of the information, including donation link, if you’re able. It’d be amazing if you could just put a couple dollars forward. It’s really going to… change some lives. It’s really going to save some lives. And if you’re a Perth local in the area on June 21st, come on down to Zamir Trail, join me for a lap or two when I’m hurting.”

Check out the full chat with Samuel McDonald below.