An upcoming walk in Huskisson has a simple approach but a powerful approach.
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Sahssi 30 will see people gather to walk 30 kilometres on Saturday, August 12 to raise funds for Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI)
The organisation helps women and children escaping domestic violence and provides them with crisis accommodation.
Huskisson resident Joanne Warren is one of the organisers of the event, and said it’s based on a clear concept.
“People donate $100 to be involved and all money goes directly to SAHSSI to help the women’s refuge they run in Nowra,” Ms Warren said.
No money will be spent setting up the event.
“I really had a great time at the high school but I saw the impact in the broader community that violence would have on the children who were attending school and especially on their mothers in particular.
- Joanne Warren
“It’s meant to be about a very infrastructure-free event and we have a very realistic goal of 50 people, $5000,” Ms Warren said.
“I have fingers crossed that we get to it and we have at least 50 people or more walking. I’m looking forward to a show of community spirit and support for the women and children of the Shoalhaven.”
Ms Warren recently retired from her teaching position at Vincentia High School.
While she loved her career, it also revealed the devastating effects of domestic violence on the community.
“I really had a great time at the high school but I saw the impact in the broader community that violence would have on the children who were attending school, and especially on their mothers in particular,” she said.
“Unfortunately in the Shoalhaven we have one of the highest rates of domestic violence and I feel that unless we break that cycle by giving women and children a safe place to go, we’re not ever going to change this culture of women trying to escape and having nowhere to go.”
Sahssi 30 will see walkers hit the path from Huskisson White Sands Park to Booderee National Park and back.
The community event will see people gather from 7am in the park, with the walk beginning at 8am.
If 30 kilometres stretches the athleticism a little too much, walkers are welcome to join along the way, or bow out when needed.
Everyone is encouraged to wear SAHSSI’s colours of purple and green.
Register here and write Sahssi30 in the comment box. Registration can also be done via the Sahssi 30 Facebook page or by emailing joanne.warren24@gmail.com
