Big Walk 2020 Christian Aid
Groups find innovative ways to raise funds for those most in need
(From the October - December 2020 issue of VOX)
For 11 years the annual Sheep’s Head Hike has attracted hundreds of walkers and raised tens of thousands of euro for Christian Aid’s autumn appeal. Come rain, hail or shine walking enthusiasts and beginners alike gathered in the west Cork village of Kilcrohane before setting off for a hike along the Sheep’s Head Way. Similar fundraising events usually take place across the Ireland with “September Strolls” attracting walkers to enjoy a less strenuous route for the same good cause.
But with Covid-19 restrictions still in place, such large-scale fundraising events were impossible this year. So instead, Christian Aid encouraged people to organise small, socially distanced walks wherever they are. Walks took place across the island throughout September and more are planned for October.
“Dawson Stelfox, the first Irish person to climb Mount Everest, launched the Big Walk 2020.”
Dawson Stelfox, the first Irish person to climb Mount Everest, launched the Big Walk 2020 by climbing Cave Hill overlooking Belfast. The well-known mountaineer, who stood at the top of the world in May 1993, said, “Walking, especially in nature, is a proven way to boost our physical health and mental wellbeing, especially after months of lockdown. But taking part in a walk for Christian Aid allows you to go one step further. By raising funds to help the world’s poorest people, we can improve their health and life chances too.
“I’m proud to be involved in an initiative that combines healthy outdoor exercise with raising money for a good cause, especially as Christian Aid is responding to the coronavirus pandemic and the climate crisis in more than 20 of the world’s poorest countries.”
The fundraising campaign invites people of all ages and fitness levels to take part in sponsored walks with small groups of family and friends, from ambitious hikes in the hills to leisurely strolls through local beauty spots. The aim is for all these walks combined to total 2,142km (the length of the Nicaraguan border).
“We wanted to encouraged something that would be beneficial for churches helping small groups to come together and connect with one another safely,” explained Michael Briggs, Christian Aid Church and Supporter Engagement Officer. “And we wanted to benefit the partners in Nicaragua at the same time.”
“Our autumn appeal is raising funds for people in crisis around the world including people like Angela in Nicaragua. Angela’s coffee farm used to provide a good living for her family. But the changing climate means her harvests are shrinking. Now Angela’s community is coming together to share resources and protect their livelihoods. Christian Aid’s local partner, Soppexcca supports the cooperative by helping farmers to shift to climate-resistant crops.
“We are so grateful to all of our supporters,” Michael added. “People are feeling the pinch here but our supporters and the churches we work with have been brilliant. And we know that the poorest communities in the world are worst affected by this global pandemic.”
Kilcrohane, West Cork
Gillian Kingston joined one of the smaller walks organised by Andrew Coleman in place of the Sheep’s Head Hike.
“I have been wanting to do the Kilcrohane walk for a while. There were about seven of us in total: Andrew and his wife Caroline and five others. It was fabulous,” she told VOX magazine.
“Kilcrohane is a charming village and we drove to a point about 4km further on. It was a tough, mountainous walk of about eight kilometres. What was particularly interesting was seeing some of the history of the area.”
The walkers passed The Crimea’ (pronounced ‘cra-may’) where there are copper mines and the ruined cottages that once housed mine workers.
“We were doing it for enjoyment and fundraising but some people have to walk for their lives.”
“The walk took us about three and a half to four hours and we slithered and slid our way over some sections,” Gillian said. “It was worth it just for the scenery but I also reflected on those who tackle such tough walks because they have to. We were doing it for enjoyment and fundraising but some people have to walk for their lives. We returned to the safety of our cars (and stopped for a socially-distanced coffee to finish our outing). But some people have to walk much further in order to reach a place of safety. From that perspective, I thought the Christian Aid walk made you think about those who are less privileged than we are.”
Annascaul, Kerry
Canon Jim Stephens from Church of Ireland parish in Tralee organised a walk along the Dingle Way. He told VOX magazine, “My wife did the Sheep’s Head Hike last year. Even though we are small in number, we gathered eight people to walk from Annascaul. We met at the South Pole Inn, named for local hero Tom Crean who took part in three Antarctic Expeditions in the early 1900s. Linda Woods (from Ireland Walk Hike Bike) was our guide. She does these walks regularly and she was so knowledgeable.
“We walked for about two hours and in that time we covered about five kilometres but it wasn’t about the distance. I love the outdoors and I got to see another part of The Kingdom that I did not know. It was lovely. We were fortunate that local parishioners, the Hoffman family, welcomed us in and treated us to a (socially distanced) cup of tea. We raised about €200 but hope to increase that amount with a collection at our harvest service.”
Walk Where You Are
There are still opportunities for groups of walkers to run their own fundraiser during October. You can register on the Christian Aid website www.caid.ie/BigWalk and receive a fundraising pack.
Christian Aid Ireland’s Chief Executive, Rosamond Bennett said, “Maybe you’ve been doing a Joe Wicks work-out every day during lockdown, or maybe the only path you’ve beaten is the one between the sofa and the fridge. Either way, by getting involved you will help us bring hope to the world’s poorest people.”
