We are delighted to launch our new fundraising challenge, encouraging people to walk one million steps over four months to help us raise funds to set up a unique residential community in Cornwall to support people out of homelessness.
Starting on Tuesday 1 June, each participant taking on A Million for Emmaus will have until the end of September, or 121 days, to reach one million steps. This is the equivalent of walking 8,300 steps every day.
Jo Riley, Trustee and Chair of the Fundraising Committee at Emmaus Cornwall, said:
“We’re extremely excited to launch our first big fundraising challenge. As summer arrives, we’re asking people of all abilities and ages to go solo or get their family, friends and colleagues involved as a team to walk a million steps for Emmaus.
“Walking one million steps is approximately 435 miles or 700km, and participants can also choose to run, cycle, or swim the distance instead, or get creative and even surf, pogo stick, dance, or skate. It will be a rewarding challenge that not only helps to improve fitness levels but raise money for a good cause too.”
There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the UK supporting people back into independent living after being homeless. We are aiming to become the 30th UK community and have a £10,000 fundraising target for the challenge.
All money raised through the challenge will go towards our main fundraising target of £1million, which is needed to open a community that will provide accommodation, work experience, training, and support to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Fellow Emmaus Cornwall trustee and author, Raynor Winn, walked the South West Coastal Path with her husband after becoming homeless. Her experience later inspired her bestselling memoir, The Salt Path. Raynor is encouraging people to walk for Emmaus to help those who walk because they have to and said:
“Homeless people often walk many miles per day out of necessity – in search of shelter, or food, or simply because it’s safer to keep moving than to remain stationary. A Million for Emmaus is asking us to walk to raise money to create the first Emmaus community in Cornwall. To walk because we can, to help those who walk because they have to.
“Not only that, but we get to appreciate all the amazing health benefits that come from walking. So, take that first step towards your million in June, alone, with the dog, with friends – however you like to walk, and start a summer to remember.”
It costs £10 to register and participants are asked to raise a minimum of £100 through sponsorship. People can take part individually or in teams of family, friends, or colleagues.
To join the challenge, visit www.emmausmillion.org