Charity Walk for the Poor set for Saturday
A nonprofit organization with the aim to aid and accommodate individuals in Cape Coral needing assistance is once again sponsoring a walk to benefit its mission.
The second Annual Walk for the Poor, hosted by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Andrew Conference, takes place this Saturday at St. Andrew Catholic Church starting at 10:30 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.
All proceeds and donations from the event will directly benefit those in the Cape Coral area served by the conference.
“The Society of Saint Vincent DePaul St. Andrew Conference is sponsoring our second annual ‘Walk For the Poor’ due to the success we experienced last year which raised over $18,000,” said St. Andrew Conference member Al Fritz. “The 2022 Walk donations supplemented the tremendous $109,000 of support from our St. Andrew Parishioners especially following hurricane Ian. One hundred percent of these monies are used to help the needy with paying for past due utilities, food, clothing, medications, finding a job, bus transportation and temporary shelter.”
The walk is an event held by numerous St. Vincent de Paul conferences around the globe, so St. Andrew decided it was worth holding in Cape Coral with the growing number of residents struggling in an inflated economy.
The impact of SVDP here in the Cape goes beyond just monetary assistance; it’s about getting individuals back on their feet and pointing them in the direction of the resources available to them, as well as providing spiritual support.
SVDP works in coordination with various other charitable organizations to be able to cast a wide net for those that come to them for help.
“The 2023 Walk is especially important given the struggles our neighbors are experiencing with high rents, inflation and utility rates,” Fritz said. “We want to continue to have the resources to share throughout the year. Vincentians provide home visits to our neighbors throughout Cape Coral so we can pray with those we visit regardless of their church affiliation. We try to bring the love of one caring person to another in need while being discerning in our giving. We respect the human dignity of those who give and those we serve by being a hand up not just a handout. We are grateful and humbled by the community support from the Mayor to our Pastor and especially to those who walk and/or donate.”
The Walk for the Poor registration donation is $15 (or create a team) with a goal to raise $15,000. The walk takes place around the church parking lot, for however long each participant wishes to. Refreshments will be available on site.
St. Andrew Catholic Church is at 2628 Del Prado Blvd. South.
Those interested in learning more, participating, or making a pledge, can visit go.rallyup.com/capesvdp. Day-of registration will be available.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com