Fundraising for Supporting the Homeless

“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life”.

On a glorious day of sun, surrounded by family, friends and colleagues. We embarked on a journey that was about more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It was a charity walk aimed at shining a light on one of society’s most pressing issues: homelessness. With each step, we sought to make a difference, to raise awareness and funds for those who lacked the necessity of shelter.

The cause was deeply personal. Having witnessed the struggles faced by individuals without stable housing, the walk held a profound significance for me. It was a chance to transform empathy into action, to contribute towards fundraising for our valued client Homeless Oxfordshire, who provide support, shelter, and resources to the homeless population of Oxfordshire.

As we joined the assembly of participants, there was a sense of purpose in the air. Volunteers, supporters, and fellow walkers gathered with a shared commitment to make a positive impact. There were two excellent welcome talks one, an emotional tribute by Amber Hughes to her sister who had been supported by the Charity prior to her death, which was then followed up by Simon Hewett-Avison, CEO of Homeless Oxfordshire.

The venue for the walk was Ditchley Park in Oxfordshire, a beautiful location with a rich vein of history. As we all set off each step echoed a silent pledge to stand in solidarity with those facing the harsh realities of homelessness, along the way, conversations bloomed, anecdotes were shared, and connections were formed. It was a reminder that homelessness isn’t merely a statistic, but a complex issue intertwined with individual stories and struggles. The weather was idyllic for the walk and the surrounding of countryside was mind blowing for such a glorious cause.

The physical exertion of the walk was met with an unwavering determination fuelled by the cause we were championing. The fatigue that settled in was a small price to pay compared to the challenges faced daily by those without a place to call home. The sore muscles were reminders of the privilege of having a roof over my head and emphasised the urgency to do more for those in need. As the miles passed, the collective spirit of the participants grew stronger. Strangers became companions, supporting each other through the journey. The shared goal of making a difference overshadowed any differences, uniting us in our quest to address homelessness in our community.

Crossing the finish line was a moment of triumph, not just for completing the walk but for contributing, in some small way, to a cause larger than ourselves. The impact of the charity walk extended far beyond the physical distance covered. It was about raising awareness, fostering empathy, and sparking conversations that could lead to lasting change. It was a reminder that addressing homelessness requires not only immediate aid, but also long-term solutions rooted in community support and advocacy.

As the walk concluded, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue advocating for those without homes. The experience reinforced the belief that collective action, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing homelessness, with each step taken during the charity walk, we moved closer to a world where everyone has a place to call home. We all settled in to having some refreshments which was just as glorious as the views seen of simply one of the best slices of chocolate cake I’d eaten.

Written by Jon Turner – Operations Manager for 360 Services who was joined on the walk by his wife and daughter as well as by the Managing Director of 360 Services who was also accompanied by his family.

If we can help your charity to promote fundraising for the Homeless in Oxford, London, Kent or any other regions where we supply staff please email ops@360-services.co.uk

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360 Services provides Event Security as well as security for most Commercial and Office Buildings.  If you would like more information about joining our team or about the range of services that we offer our clients.  Please email ops@360-services.co.uk or call 01322 277 051.