FriendshipWorks announces the launch of its first Annual Walk-a-Thon called “FriendshipWalks” scheduled for Sunday, May 15th. One of the walk’s starting points will be at FriendshipWorks’ Jamaica Plain neighborhood office.
FriendshipWorks volunteer walking with her elder friend
“The Walk-a-Thon will help showcase FriendshipWorks’ mission and growth, connecting our neighborhood offices, including the new one in the South End,” says Connie Packard, Board President of FriendshipWorks.
Research has shown that social isolation leads to negative health outcomes and an increase in the mortality risk for older adults. FriendshipWorks has been a pioneer in implementing simple and effective solutions to counteract the serious health risks posed by social isolation in the elder community. They have matched and trained volunteers to meet the socialization and supportive needs of over 20,000 elders in Boston and Brookline since its founding in 1984.
The Walk-a-Thon will not only raise money; it will promote the value of friendship, the importance of building neighborly connections, and the role of walking and physical activity in the health and well-being of elders. FriendshipWalks will take walkers through many of the neighborhoods FriendshipWorks serves.
To connect our neighborhood offices, there are three walk route options. The walks start either from FriendshipWorks’ downtown Boston office or their Jamaica Plain office, based in Sherrill House, and end at a post-walk party at FriendshipWorks’ Allston/Brighton office. The celebratory party will feature elected officials, elders, volunteers, and musicians. There is also a shorter walk from the Downtown Office to the South End Office, with shuttles to the Party.
“You can walk to honor a friendship or an elder in your life, or walk in memory of someone important to you, or bring an elder friend, ” says Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, FriendshipWorks’ Executive Director, “ We invite you to walk with us and embrace the power of friendship on May 15th!”
FriendshipWalks’ sponsors include: Roche Brothers, Eastern Bank, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Goddard House, Mount Pleasant Home, Cathay Bank, and VPNE Parking Solutions.
For information on FriendshipWalks, visit: www.crowdrise.com/Friendshipwalks