We are kickstarting our 20th birthday celebrations with a charitable 20-kilometre walk. The event is part of the national Hiking for Housing challenge, involving 12 Welsh housing associations, which aims to raise funds and support various Welsh charities and causes.
On July 27th, our dedicated colleagues will trek on a challenging 20-kilometre walk from Ogmore Valley to Bridgend town. We have chosen to support our charity of the year, Y Bwthyn Newydd, a specialised palliative care service situated on the grounds of the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend. This essential service extends its care and support to individuals with cancer, their families, and caregivers, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Alongside us, other housing associations taking part in the national challenge are Melin Homes, Cardiff Community Housing Association, Clwyd Alyn, Newydd, Monmouthshire Housing Association, Tai Calon, Cartrefi Conwy, Caredig, Bron Afon, Stori, and RHA Wales.
Cassie Jennings, our walk leader at Valleys to Coast, said: “We’re really excited to be taking on the national Hiking for Housing challenge for such a worthwhile cause. As a team, we recognise the vital role that Y Bwthyn Newydd plays in Bridgend.”
“Housing associations like ours, work tirelessly to ensure people live safe and happy lives, so we are delighted to be supporting this charity which very much shares our values as an organisation.”
We have all been supported by our sector’s trade body Community Housing Cymru, which has coordinated the walks and brought in experts from team building specialist Call of the Wild and Welsh legal firm Hugh James to advise the participants on their events.
Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive at Community Housing Cymru, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting and coordinating this fantastic nationwide sponsored walk event.
“We’d like to thank all housing associations and their staff who will be taking part in these walks and wish them the very best of luck as they walk, run, or cycle the distance.
“If you are able to sponsor one of the teams taking part, please do.”
Anyone who wishes to support our efforts can contribute to our GoFundMe page. All proceeds will go directly to Y Bwthyn Newydd to aid their invaluable work in the community.
