By Olivia Jessup | Echo
People from all over the local area gathered together in the chill of the early morning on Saturday, Feb. 8, to walk to raise money and awareness for homelessness.
The Walk a Mile in My Shoes event happens each February to raise money and awareness about homelessness in Grant County. This past weekend was the ninth year that the Grant County Rescue Mission has hosted this event.
"The reason we do it specifically in February is because we want to raise awareness that if it wasn't for the rescue mission, people who are homeless would have be out walking and living in these conditions," said Debra Ballard, director of Development.
Ballard noted that the numbers have been higher in the past, since the weather this year posed a challenge. However, that didn't stop 300 people from going to the YMCA in Marion to walk for a cause this year. The annual event brings in money that goes directly to serving the homeless in Grant County.
"We've just been able to see a great deal of community support. We've raised nearly $200,000 over the past nine years through the Walk a Mile event, and we've also met a wide variety of people who express their support and appreciation for what we do at the rescue mission," Ballard said.
The rescue mission not only provides shelter for those who need it in Grant County, but also three meals a day every day of the year, according to Ballard. This event raises awareness for that as well. Volunteers are welcome to help serve at the shelter. For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Grant County Rescue Mission.
