http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/saturday039s-annual-039walk-poor039-raise-money-needy_21188.mp3
Those looking to get a little exercise while still lending a helping hand need look no further. This Saturday, the St. Agnes Cathedral parish will be hosting their 3rdAnnual Friends of the Poor Walk in coalition with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. KSMU’s Justin Lux stopped by the church to speak with a member of the society and has details.
To understand the importance of helping the poor, local Saint Vincent de Paul president Greg Gloeckner says all you need to do is open a Bible and turn to Matthew, chapter five.
“Jesus says, ya’ know, ‘When I was hungry, you fed me. When I was naked you clothed me.’ That is where we get out mission from,”
Saturday’s Friends of the Poor Walk will begin with a breakfast and registration at 8:00 a.m. while the walk begins at 9:00 a.m.
The event will offer two separate routes: a more casual route which will go for one mile and one for more serious walkers, which will stretch three miles.
Gloeckner says it’s important to note that all the proceeds will go directly to the local Saint Vincent de Paul.
“In an economy where the word just came out that you have 15% of the people in the state of Missouri live below the poverty line… well, we have our fair share here in the Ozarks too,”
However, with an area so rich in faith-based communities, Gloeckner says that number can be a lot less daunting when everyone is working together.
“Between us and all of the other churches, I would say we’re probably providing tons of food a month to the poor. We’re providing thousands of dollars a month in utility assistance and rent assistance,”
The Friends of the Poor Walk is a nationwide program that was first introduced in 2008 by the national offices of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Since its inception just three years ago it’s attracted over 18,000 walkers and raised more than $1.4 million.
For KSMU News, I’m Justin Lux