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Community invited to participate in Walking Home 2010
Friday, 23 July 2010
11:22 AM
Media Releases
Walking Home, a community walk to raise awareness of homelessness in the south-west Barwon region, was officially launched on Friday 23 July.
Walking Home organisers are calling on the community to get involved in this year’s walk, which is happening on 13 November.
The walk will take place along the Bellarine Rail Trail from Queenscliff to Geelong, with different start points along the trail for participants of all fitness levels.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr John Mitchell said Walking Home was a chance for the community to come together and “walk the talk” about homelessness.
“Homelessness is a tragic situation for anyone, and sadly it is more common than most people realise,” he said.
“Walking Home is all about raising awareness so that the wider population understands the complexities and causes of homelessness in Australia, and more specifically in our region,” said Community Development portfolio holder Cr Kylie Fisher.
“Hopefully the increased understanding and awareness will lead to communities being better equipped and more willing to reach out and help those in need of shelter,” Cr Fisher said.
Patron for the event, Frank Costa endorsed last year’s event as “an inspiring initiative that brings together service providers and communities across the Barwon South Western Region.”
Frank urged everyone in Geelong and the broader Barwon South Western Region again this year to get behind Walking Home 2010.
“For many people in our community, homelessness is a mystery,” explained Lisa Dalla-Zuanna, Event Organiser and Regional Manager of the Salvation Army Social Housing Services, Barwon South West.
“Through Walking Home our aim is to raise the profile of homelessness, put it front-of-mind for everyday people and the decision-makers in our community,” she said.
Walking Home 2010 builds on the success of the inaugural Walking Home initiative in 2009.
The 2009 event saw 20 agency workers and students from the Barwon South Western Region join together to walk from Warrnambool to Geelong over five days.
The event raised more than $20,000 towards shoes for homeless people in the region.
“This year it’s a much shorter walk and we’re inviting the community to join us,” said Lisa.
“Walkers can register for free on the Walking Home Website and choose the distance they walk.”
“Supporters and businesses can sponsor as many walkers as they like and the money will again go directly to purchasing shoes for homeless people in the region.”
“The core focus, though, is raising awareness and encouraging people to talk more about the issue.”
“Homelessness is a mystery to many people and we want to bust some of those myths by having the conversations that matter,” said Lisa.
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