Tuesday June 30, 2020

Walk a Mile goes virtual

Local

It might be taking a different form this year, but South Australians are being asked to once again lace up their boots and ‘walk a mile’ to support those experiencing homelessness.

Lindy McNamara

Tuesday June 30, 2020

Tuesday June 30, 2020 Comments

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The Hutt St Centre announced last month that while the coronavirus pandemic had forced a rethink of how to stage its annual fundraiser, it will go ahead as a virtual event.

The Walk a Mile Challenge will be held on Friday August 7, with participants choosing the location where they will walk.

“The challenge is to Walk a Mile or more to help end homelessness and help us reach our collective goal of 6000 miles – one for every person experiencing homelessness in South Australia,” said Hutt St Centre’s CEO Chris Burns.

“You can walk one mile (1.6km) around your neighbourhood, or two miles (3.2km) along the beach, or go the extra mile and challenge yourself to walk six miles (9.6km). You set your own personal challenge – you choose how many miles you walk and where you walk.”

Mr Burns said 2020 has been a “rough year” for everyone but especially for people living on the streets.

“With more than 6000 people experiencing homelessness in South Australia, we need your help more than ever.

“While we would love to assemble en masse, given the current circumstances we have decided it is safer to the whole community if we keep a little distance. So we’ll be separate but still together in our fight to end homelessness.”

Walkers signing up for the event will be asked to sync their GPS enabled devices, such as a fitness wristband or watch, with their fundraising page. Money raised from the event will be used to support the homeless by providing nutritious meals, showers and toilets, helping them to find accommodation and get work-ready.

For more information about the event, or to register, go to www.walkamile.org.au/