Our dog walking challenge, Walkies!, has been a fantastic success, with participants clocking up a staggering 546 km and raising an incredible £2,694!
At the start of October – the month that includes World Homeless Day – we invited people to walk 1.8 km a day (or 1,800 metres), representing the 1,800 people Launchpad supported last year.
If you’re a dog owner, Walkies! was a brilliant way to support people who come to Launchpad, and we’re proud to be one of the few charities that welcome dogs at our properties.
We caught up with some of the wonderful people who took part…
Betty walked with her lovely French bulldog Marie.
Why did you sign up for Walkies? Empathy for the homeless and doing God’s will. Marie herself was once homeless; she lost her previous owner and her home last November at no fault of her own and found herself at an animal rescue.
“She was supported by some wonderful rescue staff and a foster family through this difficult time of her life. I am a Catholic and believe in “Love God and love your neighbour as yourself.” Hence, we would love to help fight homelessness for both humans and their dogs. I attend mass at the St James Roman Catholic Church, and coincidently Launchpad Reading is one of the charities that our church supports.
“I saw the post of Walkies on Launchpad Facebook, and I immediately signed up. I walked further than expected because Marie is a typical French bulldog that doesn’t walk very far (under 1km per day prior to Walkies), I set 30km as the goal.”
Betty and Marie have since walked over 60km and raised more than expected.
Betty said: “I set the original goal at £180; when we hit that, we stretched to £250. Finally, we raised £521. We were amazed by the generosity of our friends and family and the St James parishioners. We are immensely grateful!
“Walkies got us out to enjoy the autumn weather and scenery, and we discovered our potential in completing longer walks. It also trained my patience.”
What would you say to someone thinking about taking part in Walkies next year? “I strongly recommend it. It is a rewarding experience – while you help someone in need, you also find out more about yourself and your four-legged companion. I would take part again.”
Fleur walked with her dog Milo and said: “A final donation to get the total amount raised over £500 from me and Milo, which was more than expected! We had lots of fun walking and spreading the word about Launchpad. The challenge meant I felt enthused to do a few longer walks than usual.
“You are providing a very necessary service (sadly much needed), and I’m full of admiration for all the enthusiasm of everyone I’ve met at the charity since I started Walkies! Keep up the good work!
“To anyone thinking about taking part next year, I would say … go for it! A very worthwhile objective and a fun activity.
Sally, who walked with Scout said: “Scouty and I would like to send our thanks and very best wishes to the Launchpad team. We think the work you do with people suffering from homelessness is humbling and we are very happy to know you are there for them.”
And nine-year-old Imogen, (pictured) our youngest participant with her spaniel Wilbur said: “Every time we go into Reading, I notice people sitting in the street and it makes me sad that they have no home to go to, it makes me realise we take what we have for granted, I just want to help them.”
Fiona Keyte, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said: “This is our second year of Walkies! and we’ve absolutely loved supporting all our participants throughout the event. We set a modest fundraising target of £30 per person, knowing times are tough, but everyone went way above and beyond our expectations!
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and to those who donated. The money raised will help fund our free drop-in clinic and our Work and Life Skills Centre, where people begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
“We can’t wait to welcome even more four-legged friends and their owners next year!”