Vincentian "WalkAbout" for Homeless

John Freund, CM
June 16, 2013

The Vincentian Family is very creative in finding ways to confront the issues of homeless. We have had CEO Sleepouts in Australia where even top level CEO’s commit to sleep out in order to experience and raise consciousenss, not only others but also their own. Now Depaul USa is providing “the rest of us” with a way to raise funds via a Vincentian Walkabout.

What is a Walkabout? To quote Crodile Dundee, a walkabout is “a spontaneous journey through the wilderness of one’s choosing in an effort to satisfy one’s itchy feet, a need to be elsewhere, the craving for the open road, that space over the horizon”. The Depaul Walkabout is an opportunity for exploration: to explore a new part of Philadelphia, to explore homelessness by learning about and helping support those trying to overcome it, to explore your own sense of home, and to explore why it matters that people have a roof over their head and a sense of community.

Help End Homelessness One Step at a Time – Hosted in collaboration with Awbury Arboretum and the East Mount Airy Neighbors Association, the Depaul USA Walkabout will feature both a non-competitive run (think no bib numbers or chip timing) and a walk of approximately 3 miles.

For local folks thinking of joining.. 

Course Route: (may change slightly)

Depaul walkabout

Awbury Arboretum is also hosting a picnic provided by Little Jimmie’s Bakery Cafe following the Walkabout.

Registration is Completely Free!
Click Here to Sign Up

When: Saturday, June 22nd – Check-in starts at 9 a.m., the event begins at 10 a.m.

Where: Awbury Arboretum, 1 Awbury Road, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Why: To enjoy a beautiful day outdoors and learn about Depaul USA’s efforts to end homelessness in Philadelphia
Registration: Click Here to Register for Free!

How difficult is the course? The walk/ run can be as easy or difficult as you’d like. The whole course is a few loops of the Arboretum’s trails totalling a little under 5km. The course also includes a couple of light inclines and requires good shoes as the trails cut through grassy meadows. If you would prefer to do a shorter distance, you can easily head towards the picnic area whenever you are ready and get first dibs on the delicious healthy food!

How can you participate? Become a runner, walker, virtual runner, form a team or sponsor a runner/walker/team.

What does it cost? Registration is free, however we are encouraging everyone to try to raise funds through ourFirstGiving.com page or in person.

What if I prefer asking friends and family to support me face-to-face?No problem! Just click here to access printed materials including pledge sheets, a letter informing its reader of Depaul USA’s work and the run/walk, and thank you letter templates.

Registration? Register by going to www.bit.ly/DepaulUSAWalkabout!

Who can run/walk? Anyone who registers and signs the official race waiver (at the event).

I’m unable to attend the 5K but would like to raise funds for the event through a personal fundraising page. No problem! Register as a virtual runner and raise funds just like any of the runners.

Schedule for the day?
9:00 – Check in
10:00 – Runners begin
10:15 – Walkers begin
11:00 – Post-race picnic and festivities begin

Post Run Festivities? Awbury Arboretum and the East Mt. Airy Neighborhood Association are hosting a Healthy Picnic in the Arboretum. Your registration for the walk/run gains you free entry to this event. Race Packet pick-up? It’s a friendly run so no need to worry about race packets or timing chips. Just come out, raise some money if you choose to, run if you want or walk if you prefer, and enjoy a beautiful day outdoors!

 


Tags: , ,

share Share