Join the Long Walk Home: Step into the Shoes of Sydney’s Homeless with Wayside Chapel

Support Wayland Chapel’s Long Walk Home Initiative

Countless Sydneysiders are stepping up, preparing to walk 28 kilometres for the remarkable Long Walk Home event on Saturday, 7th October 2023. Brought to you by Wayside Chapel, this event challenges participants to experience the distance someone suffering homelessness walks every week, searching for basic necessities and a safe place to rest their head.

A Shared Struggle: Engaging Empathy to Ignite Action

Understanding the plight of the 122,000 Australians who sleep rough every night, Wayside Chapel utilises Long Walk Home as an annual fundraiser, now in its 6th year. Hopeful participants will take the journey from Parramatta to Kings Cross, aiming to raise funds to share love, care, and connection with individuals experiencing homelessness in Sydney.

Wayside Chapel’s Pastor and CEO, Jon Owen, stated, “This year, we’ve seen a significant increase in the uptake of our crisis and support services. The current cost of living crisis has compounded isolation and loneliness for the most vulnerable. The Long Walk Home raises both funds and awareness, both of which are crucial to our community. I encourage everyone able to get involved – participate in the walk or donate to someone who is.”

Community Voices Speak the Loudest

Long-time Wayside Ambassador and award-winning actress, Claudia Karvan, is participating in the Long Walk Home once again this year. Speaking about the meaningful event, she enthused, “The work of Wayside is critical in our community. The Long Walk Home is one of the most humbling and fun events to be involved in. I hope Sydneysiders will join me this October, bring a cheerful group of friends, or head out solo and walk for Wayside.”

Ambassador Scott’s Journey towards Hope

One particular participant, Scott, came across Wayside Chapel in a time of great need. Having experienced addiction, homelessness, prison, and numerous attempts in rehab following a family breakdown in his teens, he’s now a powerful advocate for the charity, even joining the Long Walk Home as a 2023 Ambassador.

With the steadfast support of Wayside Chapel, which he refers to as his ‘rock’, Scott has experienced personal progress. He now has secure private housing and possesses a driver’s licence. He reflects courage and resilience, hoping to reconnect with his son, give back to the community, and pursue his dream of becoming a soccer coach.

Participate in the Long Walk Home

The Long Walk Home event will commence from 2 pm on Saturday 7 October. For a registration fee of $70, each participant will receive a hi-vis safety vest. If you wish to contribute but are unable to participate, a free virtual walk challenge will occur from 7 October to 13 October, allowing participants to complete the walk at their own pace within the week.

Join us in supporting Wayside Chapel as they continuously provide individuals enduring hardships with a safe place, compassion, and access to crucial health and social services. To register or donate, please visit longwalkhome.com.au

Families are joining the Long Walk Home to raise awareness

Take a Step to Change Lives with The Long Walk Home: A Wayside Chapel Initiative

Lend Your Support to Wayside Chapel’s Annual Long Walk Home Fundraiser

This year, it’s your chance to make a difference! As Sydneysiders gear up for Wayside Chapel’s iconic Long Walk Home event on 7th October 2023, discover how walking 28 kilometres can symbolically represent the daunting distance many homeless individuals cover on foot each week across Sydney – searching for essential services or a safe refuge.

Engaging Hearts: Love In Action to Combat Homelessness

With 122,000 Australians sleeping rough every night, Wayside Chapel channels the power of empathy into its annual fundraiser, the Long Walk Home. Now in its tradition-rich 6th year, participants will journey from Parramatta to Kings Cross, demonstrating solidarity and raising funds to offer love, care, and connection to those grappling with homelessness.

Wayside Chapel’s Pastor and CEO, Jon Owen, implores, “Given the sharp increase in demand for our support services, we encourage everyone who can to participate in the walk or donate for the cause.”

Vocal for the Vulnerable: A Community United

Actress and Wayside Ambassador, Claudia Karvan, reinstates her commitment this year with, “The Long Walk Home is an uplifting event that truly underscores the importance of Wayside’s work. I urge Sydneysiders to embrace courage, gather a bunch of friends, or go solo and walk for Wayside this October.”

From Surviving to Thriving: Scott’s Secrets of Resilience

Scott, a dedicated participant of the Long Walk Home and a 2023 Ambassador, found his haven in Wayside Chapel amidst a saga of addiction, homelessness, and despair. With critical support from Wayside, he now enjoys stable housing and has even earned his driver’s licence. Inspired, he is eager to reconnect with his son and give back to the community.

Step into the Journey: Participating in Long Walk Home

The Long Walk Home begins at 2 pm on Saturday, 7th October. A registration fee of $70 will ensure you a hi-vis safety vest. If schedule constraints restrict you from participating, you can still contribute through a free virtual walk challenge between 7th-13th October.

Support Wayside Chapel’s mission of fostering love, care and providing essential health and social services. To register or donate, visit longwalkhome.com.au.

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