Bath charity Julian House is calling on the city’s businesses to join it in stepping out and standing up against homelessness at its annual Circuit of Bath Walk.
Taking place on Sunday September 27, the sponsored circular walk will be the only fundraising event that Julian House, Bath’s main homeless help charity, stages this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, support from Bath firms is more important than ever. With the cancelation or postponement of all its other fundraising events and the enforced closure of its charity shops and bike workshops until recently, the charity has suffered a massive shortfall of more than £200,000 on its annual income, which is needed to help fund its vital services
Now in its 19th year, the Circuit of Bath Walk brings together individuals, families, colleagues and friends to walk around some of the area’s most beautiful countryside and surrounding villages, with spectacular views across the city itself.
While the charity is encouraging as many people as possible to take on the full 20-mile route this year, participants can choose their own distance and start point thanks to five checkpoints along the route and a free shuttle bus service between each.
Julian House senior community & events fundraiser Jess Gay said: “The Circuit of Bath is a really important event in our fundraising calendar – especially this year.
“We’d love to see as many local companies stepping out to support us this year and have created a special group discount rate for groups of 10 or more people.
“It’s a great opportunity for teambuilding, both during the fundraising part and at the walk and everything our participants raise in sponsorship will be used to help fund our vital services, including our hostel and domestic abuse refuge, which have been in high demand during the pandemic and will likely continue to be as lockdown eases.
“We are very aware of the situation around Covid-19 and will continue to monitor and follow the advice being issued. The safety of the community, participants, staff and volunteers is and always will be our top priority and thanks to the staggered start points social distancing can be followed if still necessary by September.
“We would like to reassure anyone who purchases a ticket to the event that they will have the option of a refund if the event has to be cancelled for this reason.”
Tickets are £12 per adult, £6 per child and £25 for a family. There is also an additional group discount for 10 or more people. Dogs are welcome.
Jess added: “While participant’s entry fee goes towards the cost of organising the walk, every pound and penny they raise through sponsorship goes towards helping us support vulnerable men, women and children in our care.
“There is no minimum sponsorship target, but we hope people will aim to raise as much as possible to help us through this extremely challenging time so we can support as many people as possible.”
For further details and to buy tickets go to www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk
