Christian Neighbors is hosting its Seventh Annual PATH Walk to Stabilization on Sunday, Oct. 2, at Sherwood Park.
The event, which includes a 1.5 or 3-mile walk, is set to begin at 2 p.m. Walker registration begins at 1:30 p.m.
The first PATH Walk took place in 2016 as an awareness campaign of ending hunger in the local communities and to raise funds for the food pantry at Christian Neighbors.
“We are proud to be hosting this community event to raise awareness of, and funds for, our Stabilization Program,” Christian Neighbors development coordinator Eric Hoffman said.
The Stabilization Program includes Christian Neighbors’ Food Pantry, Emergency Financial Assistance and Education Skill-Building.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from this walk supports these local services for families and individuals in the Plainwell, Otsego and Martin communities.
The 2022 PATH Walk is focused on an umbrella term of Housing Stabilization.
“Housing Stabilization is a concept under which all of our services fall,” Hoffman said. “Because by providing food, emergency financial assistance and education skill-building, we are helping individuals and families stay stable in their home.”
Due to the COVID pandemic, participation numbers from the past few years have been around 36-48 people who walk. However, more than a hundred individuals have provided support financially through walker sponsorships.
Last year’s PATH Walk raised more than $7000, with a goal this year of $10,000.
Jane Adams is a Christian Neighbors Board Member who has participated in past PATH Walk events.
“I walk in support of Christian Neighbors and all of the families and individuals that Christian Neighbors has supported over the years,” Adams said. “Each year, the needs in our local communities grow, and this event helps to support local neighbors in need.
“Christian Neighbors really is about neighbors caring for neighbors.”
Individuals and groups are encouraged to challenge co-workers, family members and friends to participate in this family-friendly event.
Groups and/or individuals can request walker packets by contacting Hoffman at (269) 685-4166 ext. 100 or by email at ehoffman@christianneighbors.org.
Water will be provided on the course at the 1.5-mile halfway point. Dogs are allowed to participate, as long as they are leashed and owner cleans up any mess left behind.
Sherwood Park is located at 121 North Sherwood Ave. in Plainwell.