PEABODY — Faith and Concern, Inc. will host its 49th annual Walk for Haiti on March 29.
The event will run from 9-11 a.m. at the Peter Torigian Senior Center’s outdoor track at 79 Central St. Walkers can come at any point during that time and walk as many laps as they like.
Money raised through the walk will support children in Haiti who are facing extreme violence, crime and poverty, according to a statement from Faith and Concern Inc.
“Here in America, we are confronted daily by the disturbing news reports of tragic wars abroad, of inflation, of crime and violence, of corruption, of political scandal, and the list goes on,” the statement said. “Unfortunately, the people of Haiti know these problems too well.”
Violence has increased rapidly in Haiti over the last few months, and residents in the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, are afraid to leave their homes, Faith and Concern Inc. said.
Not all schools are open, and children are unable to wear their school uniforms because they make them targets for gangs, according to the statement. Kidnapping and extortion are also becoming more frequent.
Faith and Concern, Inc. hopes the March 29 walk spreads awareness of this situation in Haiti and support the country’s residents.
The nonprofit provides breakfast for about 250 children in Haiti each day and has helped keep open a hospital and school in the country.
“In Haiti, education is seen as the one way to break the cycle of poverty,” according to the statement. “It is a great source of pride to the children, and their hope for the future.
“One-hundred percent of every dollar collected is safely and securely sent to known, trusted leaders in Haiti.”
For more information on the walk, call Gail Bowlds at 978-535-1431 or Edith Burns at 781-598-1838. Donations can be sent to Faith and Concern, Inc. at 6 Wildwood Drive, Peabody, MA 01960.