Home-Start Garioch embark on fourth Kiltwalk fundraiser
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Home-Start Garioch is taking on its fourth Kiltwalk and its second year of taking on the virtual version of the event.
For the 2021 trek it is asking people to join them and walk 26 miles until the end of the official Kiltwalk weekend on April 26.
The previous years have seen staff, trustees, volunteers and families take part.
The 2020 event saw local couple Charlie and Sandra McCorry do 26 trips up Millstone Hill, near Bennachie.
Home-Start Garioch provides a range of support services to young families in the area.
Scheme manager Mhairi Philip said: "This year we are asking for people to join us and walk 26 miles between now and the actual weekend of the Kiltwalk. It's about a mile a day and they can then make a donation to our fundraising page.
"As an organisation we have continued to receive referrals for support and provide assistance to families throughout the last 12 months without stopping. Some people are still receiving face to face support with their home visiting volunteer.
"Like many charities we have been hit with all our major fundraising events having been cancelled and many of this year's events not certain.
"We see this year's Kiltwalk as having a dual benefit. Aside from raising money and awareness of our organisation, getting out in the fresh air and walking is so good for your mental health.
"With all of the restrictions in place it's something we can still do. Families can do it together, or an adult can meet with a friend and walk and chat and leave the stresses and challenges behind for 30 minutes."
Mhairi is also undertaking a virtual walk to Monaco, which will see her trek 1378 miles.
She added: "I am 301 miles in and I have walked every day through what seems like all four seasons in the first two months of this year.
"I have given myself until the end of the year to complete it. I would however like to finish early so I can avoid any more snow and ice."
Kiltwalks are mass participation walking events that raise funds for Scottish charities and projects. Before coronavirus restrictions came into force, events took place across Scotland in Aberdeen, Dundee Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Kiltwalkers can raise funds for any charity of their choice and all funds raised will be topped up by 50 per cent courtesy of The Hunter Foundation.
Donations can be made through the Home-Start Garioch Kiltwalk fundraising page or the group's website www.homestartgarioch.org.uk
Mhairi said: "This year has been a struggle for everyone, no-one has been unaffected.
"The Kiltwalk is such an amazing event, it brings people together, families can walk together and pets can join in.
"It's such a wonderful uplifting experience and with the generosity of the support of the Hunter Foundation it makes it such an amazing fundraiser for all charities who take part."