Home run

Hi friends, family and colleagues
If you don’t want to put your hand in your pocket, stop reading

I’ve wanted to 'launch' this post since 1 January 2020.   It didn't seem right with the new year bush fire disasters, and now we have COVID-19!!!   So perhaps there is no 'right time', and whatever will be, will be.

In 2007, I worked in Perth's CBD.  Back then, people living on the street seemed few and far between.  In 2020, the problem, sadly, feels worse.  It is now unusual not to see someone living on the street.  

So what am I hoping to do?  My goal is to run a 42km marathon - easy for some, a MASSIVE  challenge for me.  Always dreamed.  Never committed.   I 'ticked off' 21km in 2012 (when I was just a 42 year old pup!) and it’s been seriously downhill after that (scuse the pun).  I’ve literally been training since New Year’s Day......very tired......and still many months to go!

I’m sure I’ll feel personally satisfied when I crawl (dragged) over the finish line.  But I'd like to something more meaningful.

I hope to bring additional awareness to people living on the street and mental health.  I hope my run will be a small contribution to support people doing it hard every day and night.

All donations, large and small, will be written on my running shirt so you can share my satisfaction (pain) on the day.  Every last cent will buy a new sleeping bag / backpack for people living on Perth streets.   These backpacks are such a great idea.  At about $100 each, I’m hoping to help at least 100 people (hence the $10,000 goal, geniuses ).

Here’s the link for a better look:
https://backpackbed.org/au/homeless-backpack-bed

Perth’s City to Surf marathon is in August 2020.  If it doesn’t go ahead due to COVID-19, it will be a long, lonely, self-isolation run by myself!  

The very supportive Kate Chaney from Anglicare will kindly assist to disburse the backpacks for those in greatest need.  Thank you Kate.

In 2020, no one should be cold on the streets.I hope you can help me to help others.

Thank you in advance for contributing to this cause.  It means a lot to me.   I know lots of people are experiencing hard times, but hopefully you can still help those whose life has been hard for way longer.
cheers

Cheers
Stephen / Steve / SPS