Government figures have revealed that a household became homeless every three minutes in England during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. That sobering fact makes the work of homelessness charity Shelter absolutely vital this winter.
To do that work Shelter needs funds, but with the cancellation of events like the London Marathon it has lost one important method of raising money.
The Big Walk is a new Shelter fundraising event that is nigh-on guaranteed to go ahead, since it simply involves heading out the door and going for a walk. You can do this solo, or as a team (obeying bubble and social-distancing guidelines, of course), and you can walk 3km, 5km or 10km.
The main event is scheduled for Thursday 10th December, although you can complete your walk at any point between Monday 7th and Sunday 13th December. It’s free to sign up, and Shelter is encouraging people to aim to raise at least £80 in donations.
“The devastating impact of COVID-19 is making the housing emergency worse,” says Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter. “Our frontline services are seeing huge demand, with thousands of calls for help from people who are already homeless, or about to lose their home.
“We’re fighting hard to help as many people to find or keep hold of a safe home as we can, but as growing numbers need our help, we urgently need the public’s support this winter. Not only is The Big Walk a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but with every step you will be helping to give a little bit of hope back to families facing some of the hardest times in their lives.”
TV personality Bradley Walsh is supporting The Big Walk and will be walking on the day with his son Barney and dog Lulu.
“Knowing I’ll be joining thousands of other people across the country who are also walking to support Shelter’s fight against homelessness makes it even better,” says Walsh.
“It’s been an unbelievably difficult year for so many families, but this pandemic has shown that together we can all make a big difference. So, wherever you are in the country, please sign up for The Big Walk to help those facing homelessness right now. Having a safe place to call home means everything this winter.”
Sign up | Free
