March 28, 2006 > WalkaRockathon

by Donald F. Razzolini

In August 2000, the waiting list for Sunrise Village, a homeless shelter in Fremont, totaled 50 families. The Winter Relief program was born then, providing emergency winter shelter in January 2001. The waiting list has continued to grow each year, and five local churches have continued to help meet the needs of these families by providing food, sleeping sites, transportation, programs for children, and other services.

To continue assistance to these families and this program, St. James' is hosting its annual WalkaRockathon to benefit Winter Relief on April 1. We'll walk a 3.5 mile loop around Fremont, and those unable to walk spend time "rocking" in rocking chairs, all with the goal of raising funds for the program.

This effort raises money to purchase items such as bus tickets, grocery and department store gift cards, and toiletries for the families. In addition, funds provide the Winter Relief program with support for ongoing and future assistance.

Walkers are needed to walk the church campus circuit, a 3.5 mile course through the St. James' community. And, rockers to man the rocking chairs in the Parish Hall, rock for 15 minute intervals while the walkers walk. Sponsors and volunteers are needed to donate mileage money for athletes and to pass out water.

Checks can be made out to St. James Episcopal Church, with "Winter Relief" in the memo line. Your cancelled check can be used for tax purposes, and a tax ID number with a donation receipt can be provided if necessary.

WalkaRockathon
Saturday, April 1
8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
St. James Episcopal Church
37051 Cabrillo Terrace, Fremont
(510) 797-1492