SCOTTISH charity WildHearts supported by ScottishPower aims to help wee Scots get fit and healthy by holding a sponsored walk event in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park on May 23rd.
The WeeWalk will see children complete a one or three-mile route around the iconic park, taking part in a host of fun activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles along the way. The money raised at these events will help fund WildHearts’ micro-finance projects in Ghana which aim to improve the lives of poverty-stricken families.
The WildHearts’ WeeWalk in Aberdeen last year was a resounding success. 250 kids took part in the fun-filled sponsored walk event and raised £5,000 for the charity’s action in Ghana. The £5,000 fund was enough to set up an entire Trust Group which provided initial loans and business training for 25-30 Ghanaians to start up their own businesses and work their way out of poverty.
Says a spokesperson: “Each loan affects the lives of seven people initially, and the money is recycled three times every year. As a result of this process, the WeeWalk in Aberdeen last year made a dramatic difference to up to 630 people in Ghana, and will continue to do so for more and more people every year.”
Said Mick Jackson, even organiser and WildHearts founder: “The WeeWalk is great a chance to get together and do something really different with your kids, grandchildren and even young nieces and nephews. It’s going to be a great day out for both children and grown ups!
“Of course the stars on the day will be the WeeWalkers. The event will provide children with an exciting, action packed day of fun and adventure, whilst giving us the chance to promote the importance of healthy, active lifestyles in a way they can relate to.”
Each venue will be transformed into the World of WeeWalks, with participating kids following a colourful map to discover special reward areas along the way. They’ll meet cute characters, such as Marco the Monkey, who will be on hand to dish out delicious healthy treats themed around your Five-A-Day at the pit stop points.
Each WeeWalker will receive a cotton WeeWalks rucksack to stow away their healthy goodies, and a special medal when they cross the finish line. As well as getting active with their friends and families at the WeeWalk, participant children will be encouraged to adopt healthier eating habits in the run up to the event by following an eye catching WildHearts healthy eating chart.
“We’re delighted that ScottishPower is working in partnership with us to bring WeeWalks to Glasgow. It’s good to know that large organisations such as this are getting involved with smaller charities and helping others,” Jackson continued.
“We’re very pleased with ScottishPower’s support of our WeeWalks in Glasgow. It will enable us to bring the event to many young children who will in turn help us to raise funds for those less fortunate in other countries.”
Heather McDonald, group sponsorships manager at ScottishPower, is delighted that the company is able to support such a charity. She said:
“WildHearts is a charity which helps people work their way out of poverty and is very deserving of additional support. We were impressed with the WeeWalks initiative as it encourages children to exercise and eat healthily whilst getting involved in helping others at the same time. We wish all the children who take part in the WeeWalk in Glasgow the very best of luck and look forward to seeing them at the finish line.”
WildHearts aims to show participating children how they can make a difference by encouraging them to raise funds for its micro-finance projects in the developing world. WildHearts tackles global poverty by providing micro-loans and business training to the poor in countries such as Ghana, enabling them to work their way out of poverty, support their families and send their children to school. At the WeeWalk events each participant will receive an info pack which will bring WildHearts’ work to life and explain how its efforts have helped other families and children. All WeeWalkers who reach their sponsorship target will join the WildHearts WeeHeroes Club and receive a special certificate, stickers and a WeeHero badge.
Mick Jackson explains: “One of the things that parents and teachers have told us they particularly like about the idea is that the WeeWalk is designed to not only teach children about healthy lifestyles, but also about the importance of their role as ‘Global Citizens’.
By raising money for WildHearts children will be able to give a helping hand to some of the world’s poorest people and so learn that even at a young age they can make a real difference and help make the world a fairer place.”
WildHearts is rolling out WeeWalks across Scotland as part of its national strategy to encourage Scottish children to lead healthier, more active lifestyles whilst making a difference in the developing world.
The events are particularly timely as the Scottish Government implements a range of schemes and initiatives to tackle childhood obesity and poor diet. The WeeWalk is open to children aged 0 to 12.
Entry fees for the event are £10 per child which includes a healthy eating chart, exclusive cotton WeeWalks Healthy Goody Bag rucksack, souvenir medal and healthy snacks, with one accompanying adult going free.
To register for the event or for more information on the WeeWalk please visit www.WildDayOut.com or call 01667 458 849.
For further information on the WildHearts charity please visit www.wildheartsinaction.org or find us on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/wildhearts#!/pages/WildHearts/176925616873?ref=ts
Issued by WildHearts. For further information, please contact Carys Petrie on 07810 544 817 or email info@wildday.com
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