WARWICK — Since 1975, the Bishop Hendricken community has come together for an annual "Hunger Walk" on Holy Thursday. Each year a group of students, faculty, alumni and friends — nearly 1000 strong — embark on a 10K walk from St. Kevin Church, through the neighborhoods of Warwick, and back to Bishop Hendricken in support of the poor and marginalized of our society.
COVID-19 will now bend, but not break the 46 year tradition. In the wake of the crisis, the annual walk is taking place virtually to raise awareness and funding for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to feed those who need it now more than ever. Hendricken is asking the entire community to join #MyHungerWalk, Bishop Hendricken's 46th Annual Hunger Walk by simply walking.
“Each year, the walk is an opportunity for us to stand in solidarity with the marginalized of our society, and do our part to make a difference in their lives,” said Hendricken Chaplain Father Brian Morris. "While this year's walk can’t take place as usual, we can still help and our Hendricken men stand ready to do their part.”
Bishop Hendricken's 46th annual Hunger Walk will take place completely virtually now through Holy Thursday on April 9. The school's Campus Ministry Department has challenged members of its community to join in the event. Participants can choose the duration, distance and location of their walk while remembering they are doing so in solidarity with the poor, homeless and hungry.
More than $5,900 has been raised so far for the Rhode Island Food Bank with only a few days left.
Most participants include students, alumni and alumni parents, however surprisingly, participants are also coming from outside of the Hendricken community. Others taking part are located in Chicago, Seattle,, Washington, D.C., and Burnaby, British Columbia, as well as other R.I. Catholic schools including St. Mary Academy Bay View, Bishop Hendricken’s sister school.
It’s important to remember that this is a walk to take alone, in accordance with all social distancing guidelines and not in populated areas. Hendricken has asked its community members to record themselves while walking, then nominate three friends to take the challenge.
Participants are asked to post their walk on social media along with the hashtag #MyHungerWalk to help create awareness.
Donations are optional, yet the most critical part of the event, and may be made through the #MyHungerWalk page on the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's website or at www.hendricken.com/myhungerwalk.
