Simon Johnson(r) and team from BBWCVS
Essex Charities Prepare
for September Virtual Fun Walk
The
Fun Walk organisers are estimating that over 80 charities and a record 3,000
supporters will take part in this year’s walk, and look forward to seeing all
the returning organisations as well as those participating for the first time.
There is still
time for charities, local schools and churches, grass roots sports teams and
other community interest groups to participate – they can register at www.thefunwalktrust.co.uk
The
event allows supporters to complete their sponsored walk anytime during
September, with sponsorship forms and guidance available from the Fun Walk
team.
John Baron, Chair
of the Fun Walk Trustees said:
“The Fun Walk has raised over £1,500,000 for local
charities and community groups since it started in 2002, and many use this as a
key funding event for the year. We have a ‘Bonus Pot’ ready to distribute,
courtesy of our wonderful local businesses who have already pledged over
£30,000 for this year alone. They include Greater Anglia, Brown & Carroll,
Butyl Products Group, Tunnelcraft, IFE Global Logistics, Swan Housing Group,
RIS Group, Mr Barrie Stone and others.”
Let's talk about the Fun Walk:
John Baron and his team started the Fun Walk in 2002 to commemorate
the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and raised £6,000 for six charities and projects.
The event became an annual one and continues to grow.
To assist with its growth, in 2013 the Fun Walk became a registered
Charity and it is now officially known as The Fun Walk Trust (Registered
Charity number: 1151626). In 2019 Basildon Billericay and Wickford CVS was
appointed to administer the event on behalf of the Trustees.
John continues his role with the charity as Chair of the Trustees and
by soliciting support and sponsorship from local businesses. The BONUS POT is a
unique feature of the event, into which local businesses and individuals kindly
donate and which is then distributed to participating organisations on a pro
rata basis in addition to the monies they themselves raise in sponsorship.
The 2023 event raised over £85,00 for local charities and community
groups, and brought the total money raised since the Fun Walk’s inception to
£1,535,000.
The Fun Walk Trust organises the walk and takes care of the paperwork,
leaving the projects free to focus on raising sponsorship money and enjoying
the event. The event is not confined to charities: any good cause or project
may join us once approved by the Trust. For example, many pre-schools and
schools, churches and community groups now regularly participate.
In 2020, given the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the
recognition that our local charities and good causes needed our help more than
ever, the decision was made to switch to a virtual format, allowing supporters
to walk the distance anytime during the selected month. This proved to be very
successful and will be continued for the foreseeable future.
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