Walkies!
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Walking with a pawpose
This October, we’re inviting you (and your four-legged friend!) to take on a feel-good challenge – Walkies! A dogtastic event that supports a serious cause – homelessness in Reading.
During October, which sees World Homeless Day (10 October), we’re asking you to walk 1.8km a day. Each metre you walk, each day represents one of the 1,800 people Launchpad supported with a housing issue last year.
However, don’t worry if 1.8km feels a little ruff, you can set your own goal to suit you and your four-legged friend(s).
So, whether you’re strolling solo or teaming up with fellow dog owners, this is a challenge that’s all about getting outdoors, boosting your wellbeing, and raising vital funds for people in Reading at risk of losing their homes.
Watch a short video from our Patron Danyl and his furry friend Lois.
Make a direct donation to Walkies!
Our goal
We’re hoping to recruit 100 six legged teams and that each team will raise a minimum of £30. If we meet our goal, that will be a fantastic £3,000 for helping local individuals and families find safety, support, and a brighter future.
What you’ll get if you sign up to Walkies!
Sign up is just £7 and that includes a special Launchpad bandana for your furry friend. You’ll also have the option to buy a matching t-shirt in Launchpad colours for just £6. Plus, you’ll be invited to join our #TeamLaunchpad Facebook community, where you can share your progress, swap stories, and connect with fellow dog-walkers.
No dog? No problem!
You don’t need a pup to take part in Walkies! Everyone is welcome! Grab your trainers and get involved your way.
Why Walkies! matters
At Launchpad, we understand how deeply people care for their dogs – and that includes people who are homeless. That’s why we’re proud to be one of the few housing providers in Reading that welcomes dogs—because we believe no one should have to choose between a safe place to live and staying with their beloved pet.
Also, right now, so many people are struggling with the cost of living, insecure housing, and mental health challenges. For many, Launchpad is their only safety net. By simply walking your dog – something you’re already doing – you can turn your daily routine into something powerful. You can help fund urgent advice, emotional support, and secure homes for people who have nowhere else to turn.
This isn’t just about clocking up the kilometres – it’s about stepping up for your community.
Here’s how the money you raise from taking part in Walkies! can change lives:
£10 could help someone in crisis access urgent support at our free drop-in service
£50 could provide an hour of legal advice to a couple facing eviction
£140 could fund four therapy sessions for someone whose mental health is affecting their housing
£254 could help move a family into affordable, stable accommodation
Walk, run, or bark your way through October – however far you go, you’ll be helping Launchpad prevent homelessness in our community.