The charity walk, organised by Norfolk-based Walking With The Wounded, raises funds to reintegrate homeless and other vulnerable veterans into society and lead an independent life through employment. More than 2,000 people are already taking part with walks ranging from 1-100 miles all over the UK and extraordinary stories of goodwill - walkers hand-delivering presents, walking home to relatives, rallying work colleagues or supporting local veterans to get out and about.
This is the fourth year that Birketts’ staff have supported the charity and this year walkers from the Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich offices are all taking part.
Paul Palik, Senior Associate at Birketts, who has taken part every year, said: “Over the last three years my colleagues at Birketts have taken part in fourteen walks and raised over £4,500. I’m delighted to say that this year we have more walkers than ever before! The funds raised provide specially trained employment advisors who help ex-service people to move back into long-term employment and gain independence. We hope that the money raised will enable more ex-servicemen and women to move closer to having a home next Christmas.”
Jonathan Agar, CEO of Birketts, who is also taking part, added: “I’m delighted that this fantastic initiative is supported by all four of our offices. The people who are helped are not just veterans who are sleeping rough, but individuals with families that do not have a home, live in temporary accommodation or sofa surf and have little to look forward to. By making a donation you will directly support Walking With The Wounded's programmes to proactively reach out to the most ‘at risk’ ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen with mental, physical or social injuries and support them to regain their independence after walking in far more dangerous environments for us.”
Walking With The Wounded Events and Partnerships Manager Andy Sloan commented: “Birketts has shown outstanding support for our wounded ex-servicemen and women over the last few years. Evidence shows there are still thousands of ex-service personnel in need of support and Christmas can be particularly hard for them due to financial pressures or the expectations of family members. We hope others follow their fine example, sign-up, raise some money, and have a great time walking home or wherever they chose to head to.”
If you would like to sponsor Birketts' walkers please visit its Just Giving page www.walkinghomeforchristmas.com/teams/birketts-llp