Walking home for children in need

AN annual walking fundraiser for the Salvation Army’s Karinya Support Services is returning this weekend at Lake Wendouree.

The six-kilometre Walking Home stroll on Saturday 11 November will be led by Karinya staff from 12.30pm, with an aim to boost the wellbeing of the vulnerable local children they work with.

The agency exists to help women and children who have experienced homelessness, family violence and trauma.

“We need this funding every year for our extra-curricular activities, but also material aid, especially with the rising cost of living,” said team leader of children, youth and communities, Louise Jeffrey.

“Walking Home has been able to cover things like school uniforms, swimming lessons, referrals to paediatricians, and we’ve even had incursions in our childcare centre, like a baby animal farm.

“It’s basically trying to provide our families and children with opportunities that aren’t really accessible or affordable to them.

“We want the children to feel the same as any of the other kids at school who might have a new uniform, or a new pair of shoes.”

The Walking Home committee will have a stall at Ballarat Farmers Market on Zoo Drive at Lake Wendouree from 9am before heading off on the walk.

“Come and meet our staff, ask questions, get a Walking Home cap for $5 or a t-shirt for $10,” Ms Jeffrey said.

“We want to make sure we can do our best to ensure families that come to us are not feeling so isolated amongst their peers.”

Visit bit.ly/46Zkcse to support the campaign.