More than 2,000 people are expected to participate in an event on Saturday that allows participants to feel the emptiness and harshness of being homeless in the heart of winter.
Muncie Mission’s purpose for Walk-a-Mile is to raise funds and awareness for the homeless in Muncie. The collected funds will be used for food, shelter, Christian counseling and other programs.
One reason the walk is set in February is so people become more aware of the harsh conditions the homeless are facing. This is the ninth annual walk Muncie Mission has organized. Ray Raines, executive director of Muncie Mission, said about 2,500 people participated last year.
Along with this year’s goal of raising $75,000, Raines said he believes the walk is more than a fundraiser for the Mission. It is about informing people of others’ daily battles.
“Walk-a-Mile brings awareness to people of those in need and poverty,” Raines said. “It is for the people who may not relate to those struggling and help make a connection for them.”
People wanting to participate in teams or as individuals can register on the Mission’s website. As a personal fundraising goal, the Mission suggests each walker sets a $50 goal minimum in donations from friends and families.
Many Ball State students participate in the walk each year, whether it be for a class project, requirement or to just show support for the cause. The Saint Francis of Assisi University Parish and Newman Center organized a group for the first time to walk in the event, said Richard Storey, service chairman of Catholic Student Union Council.
“It’s an organization with a great mission,” Storey said. “It is important to raise awareness in the Muncie community.”
People can walk either individually or as a team. Participants who register today are eligible to win a $50 gift card from Meijer or iTunes. Members of the team with the most attendees or money raised each will receive A Golden Sneaker Award for the year and a companion plaque on display at the Muncie Mission.
The event begins at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Muncie Fieldhouse located at 525 N. Walnut Street. For more information on registration and donations visitmunciemission.org.
