Despite the challenges of COVID restrictions, this year’s Be Wise Walk has been a resounding success.
Families throughout Melbourne took to the streets for around 600 individual events, clocking up a combined total of around 12,000 kilometres.
Nine News Melbourne was on hand to capture all the action as the Cronin family – together with about 30 supporters – covered the traditional 8 kilometre route from Warrigal Park, Heidelberg to Lower Plenty Football Ground at Montmorency.
This year, walks were also held in Montreal, London, Canberra, Perth and Queensland, helping to raise close to $80,000.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the result,’’ said Foundation director Matt Cronin.
“Along with other organisations, restrictions caused by the pandemic have forced us to do things a bit differently this year, including cancelling the traditional centralised walk and family fun day,” he said.
“However, I would like to thank our wonderful supporters who instead rallied to the cause by staging hundreds of their own smaller events right across the city and beyond.
“Their dedication has again raised valuable funds, which will go a long way towards helping us continuing our Be Wise educational sessions in schools and other programs.
“This year alone we’ve conducted 165 educational talks throughout Victoria and reached about 20,000 young people.”
Matt told media that it was important that the fundraiser still go ahead.
“It’s our way of honouring Pat and spreading our message,’’ he said.
We’d also like to thank our walk partners Barry Plant Real Estate and Le Pine Funerals for again helping us with this year’s activities.
The walk is one of our major sources of funding. If you weren’t able to hold your own event but would like to donate, there’s still time. Please click here. All donations, large and small, are warmly welcomed.
For more images of the walks, check out our Facebook page.
The Pat Cronin Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people never to use violence, to be wise, think carefully and act kindly. For more tips, book one of our informative educational sessions specially designed for schools, sports clubs and community organisations. Register here or contact us.
