The fundraiser will run from 8am to 6pm on March 19 and is organised by Christine Sebire and other members of the St Mary’s Parish for Caritas Australia.
Caritas Australia is an extension of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of over 160 Catholic relief, development and social service organisations operating in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
It will see students from St Mary’s Primary School and St Joseph’s College walk around the area surrounding St Mary’s Catholic Church in Echuca.
The students will hold buckets of water, bundles of wood, and suitcases to metaphorically walk a mile in the shoes of those who must travel great distances to meet basic needs in less fortunate countries.
“It’s reminding us that even though a lot of people are struggling here, there are other places far worse off, and it just opens our hearts to other people worldwide,” former St Mary’s Parish Priest Father Des said.
“Lots of schools and parishes at this time of the year raise as much as they can to help those overseas, whether it be Africa or elsewhere.”
Fr Des will also walk six kilometres with the students to show his support.
He has partaken in the initiative in previous years and said he was happy that he could reconnect with the community and the students of St Mary’s Primary and St Joseph’s College through fundraisers.
“It’s very satisfying, not only the walk, which I quite enjoy, but it’s also satisfying for myself, who used to know some of these students and to be able to reconnect with them,” Fr Des said.
“It’s very much a community day.”
St Joseph’s College teacher and St Mary’s parishioner Ruth Phillips expressed how excited her students were to partake in the community day and how it could help broaden their view of society’s most significant issues.
“I have spoken to the students, and they look forward to putting their compassion and faith in action,” she said.
“It’s also an ethical education for young people to make sure they understand the world is much bigger than Echuca-Moama or their immediate family and friends.
“We are doing it to raise awareness, but also in solidarity with people doing it tough and who must walk for food, water, or safety every day.”
The Parish emphasises that the walk is open to anyone in the community to come and join in and raise some money for a good cause.
“We are hoping for a continuous flow of people walking, it’s open to everybody,” Ms Phillips said.
“It’s not just talking about things that need improvement, but doing something.”
St Mary’s Parish encourages anyone who would like to sponsor Fr Des for every kilometre of his walk to contact St Mary’s Parish on 03 5482 1127 or email admin@stmarysechuca.org.au
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