Fifty years ago, Orval Chapman set up the Richmond Oxfam Committee to help starving people around the world.
And on May 29, at their annual Walkathon, he will be asking people to dip into their pockets once more to reach his fundraising target of $10,000.
The event, as it was last year, will, of course, be virtual due to the pandemic, as opposed to its usual throng of runners, joggers and walkers at Garry Point Park.
All the money raised, said Chapman, will go to the global Oxfam Famine and Hunger Fund, which has as one of its purposes to “keep food security and nutrition front and centre of the global sustainable development agenda.”
“Already, we have received two large donations for the Walkathon,” said Chapman.
“Last year’s event, due to Covid, was a virtual one where people walked, sometimes a few together or alone, in their own neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, we still managed to raise over $3,000.
“You yourself and one or two friends could also join together in a virtual walk. You do not even have to walk on the designated day.
“Maybe you could ask three or four people to sponsor you. Or even ask other organizations to which you belong to sponsor you.”
If you want to donate to the cause, go online to https://fundraise.oxfam.ca/diy/50th-annual-richmond-group-fundraising.
Oxfam’s Walkathons originated in Oxford, England and originally covered 40 miles.
The money was collected to alleviate poverty and hunger in Third World countries, particularly in Africa.
However, by the time that they were introduced to Canada, in 1967, the distance diminished to 25 miles.
