More than 3000 people participated in the Walk a Mile in My Boots event in Adelaide, walking in solidarity with the estimated 7000 people who are experiencing homelessness in South Australia. Source: The Southern Cross.
Held at Pakapakanthi/Victoria Park last month, the event has raised more than $517,000 to date for Adelaide homelessness service, the Hutt St Centre.
Walkers included families, friends, schools, workplaces, dogs – and even horses and a rabbit.
Adelaide Archdiocese Vicar General Fr Dean Marin also participated in the fundraiser and described it as a wonderful demonstration of community spirit. He said it was pleasing to see a number of Catholic school groups taking part in a strong expression of compassion and justice.
Hutt St Centre visitors also joined the walk and shared their stories of homelessness.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who braved the early morning winter chill to join us,” Chris Burns, Hutt St Centre chief executive officer, said.
“Hutt St Centre has seen a 24 per cent increase in demand for services over the past year, with more women and people new to homelessness seeking help.
“Events like Walk a Mile in My Boots provide vital funding to support the centre’s frontline programs and case management services, as the housing crisis continues to push more people into crisis.”
Donations to Walk a Mile in My Boots can be made until the end of September: huttstcentre.org.au.
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Strong show of support for homeless (The Southern Cross)
