Sponsored walk to help underprivileged families furnish homes
A sponsored walk from Wolverhampton to Bilston in aid of underprivileged families has been organised by local Rotarians – with three city councillors donating ward funds to kickstart the event.
The walk, which takes place on Saturday, March 19, will raise money for the Good Shepherd Relief in Need charity, which furnishes homes for individuals and families leaving hostels to take up tenancies.
Bilston North Labour councillors Linda Leach, Olivia Birch and Phil Page are sponsoring the event – organised by Bilston and Wolverhampton West Rotary Club – by donating £1,000 of their ward funds.
Volunteers are now being sought to take part in the walk, which will will set off from St Peter’s Square by the Civic Centre in Wolverhampton and finish at Bilston Town Hall in Church Street.
Councillor Linda Leach, the city council’s cabinet member for adult services, said: “With energy prices on the rise and the cost of most things going up, we know that furniture can be an added expense that individuals struggle with.
“Many people struggle to furnish the properties they move to. One of the biggest costs for these new tenants is for new beds and mattresses, which don’t come cheap.
“That’s why we’ve decided to use some of our ward funds to support this great cause.”
Andy Baker, Bilston Rotary’s president, added: “We’re looking for more volunteers to take part in supporting this fantastic cause.
“All we ask is that each participant aims to raise a minimum of £50 each in sponsorship to complete the walk.”
The route will start at St Peter’s Square and follow the Wishbone/St George’s island, heading from there onto the A41 towards Bilston, turning right into Wolverhampton Street – the B4162 – then turning left at the island along Bilston High Street and ending at Bilston Town Hall.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the event can do so by clicking on peoplesfundraising.com/donation/RotaryWolves2Bilston
Volunteers can also get more information on Rotary’s facebook page at facebook.com/pages/category/Interest/Rotary-Club-of-Bilston-Wolverhampton-West-802212643170378
Full details about the walk and sponsorship forms are available from Rotary Club member Bob Stolz on 07976 890450.
