Homeless people to be helped by brilliant charity’s Miles into Meals walks
By Jill Dando News
The Good Shepherd charity in Wolverhampton is gearing up for its annual "Miles into Meals" fundraising campaign, set to kick off on June 20th.
The month-long initiative aims to raise £10,000 to support the organization's services for homeless individuals and those living in poverty within the community.
The highlight of the campaign will be the return of the popular West Park Walks event on June 20th, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Staff, volunteers, and special guests will lead leisurely walks around the park, engaging with participants and sharing information about the Good Shepherd's work.
The distance was the number of miles between their Wolverhampton centre and Granada, Spain, where the beginnings of a group of charities began, a spokesperson said.
"In Granada in the 16th Century, St John of God worked with people who were homeless, in poverty and in poor health, inspiring a legacy of hospitality, compassion and respect," they added.
In addition to the West Park Walks, the campaign will feature several other exciting events and challenges:
- Blaze-athon: Good Shepherd Operations Manager Lee Smith will undertake an intense physical challenge at the David Lloyd Health Club in Dudley, completing eight consecutive high-intensity Blaze workouts. Supporters can join Lee for individual sessions by making a donation, with details to be announced shortly.
- Back-to-Back Marathon Walk: Good Shepherd CEO Tom Hayden, Project Worker Paul Burns, Project Manager Lucy Cox, and professional photographer Stuart Manley will embark on a 52-mile walk over two days, July 11th and 12th, commemorating the organization's 52-year history.
The Good Shepherd is encouraging the community to get involved by setting their own challenges, whether large or small, to raise awareness, funds, and contribute to the collective 1,247-mile target – a distance representing the journey between Wolverhampton and Granada, Spain, where the organization's roots can be traced.
"We are delighted to reintroduce Miles into Meals this year and have set a specific target for June and July," said Good Shepherd CEO Tom Hayden. "The target distance of 1,247 miles will be a challenge for all of us, whether staff, volunteers, service users, or fundraisers."
Hayden emphasized the importance of exercise for physical and mental health, stating that participating in the campaign should prove beneficial for everyone involved.
In 2023, the Good Shepherd supported 1,364 individuals, marking a 28% increase from the previous year.
The funds raised through Miles into Meals will directly support the organization's free-to-access services, providing vital assistance to individuals and families in Wolverhampton facing cost-of-living challenges.
