Barneys Seven Churches Walk 2010
On Saturday 18 September, over 300 people participated in the first ever Barneys Seven Churches Walk. After several days of torrential rain in parts of Sydney, we were blessed with magnificent sunshine, temperatures of 20+ degrees and clear skies. The results were a fun day and a highly successful event which raised $125,000! These funds will go towards the construction of the new St Barnabas Church Broadway, Sydney, which is due for completion at the end of 2011.
The event started in Victoria Park, Broadway, just down the road from the construction site for the new St Barnabas. Walkers registered and collected their Barneys Seven Churches Walk caps, maps and passports which contained interesting profiles on each of the Seven Churches along the route. There were approximately 200 people for the 9km walk and they were followed by the 5km walkers who consisted of 100 parents and children, mainly in strollers. For many the Walk included the opportunity for detours to cafes, shops, the Eveleigh Markets and the odd pub for refreshments. Walkers relaxed back at Victoria Park with lunch, and the kids enjoyed face painting and a jumping castle as part of the post-event fun.
It was a colourful gathering with 300 walkers wearing distinctive Barneys Seven Churches Walk caps and many who made the effort to come in fancy dress costumes. One team wore fluro pink tutus, another blue lycra bodysuits; one family dressed in traditional German leiderhosen (including their toddler dressed as a sausage) and another in 'Superman' capes with gold sequins. Next year we are promised even more creative costumes from teams who participate in the walk!
Our thanks to the hundreds of people - family, friends, former Barneys members, colleagues, neighbours and work mates - who sponsored the walkers. We had sponsors from as far away as USA, Singapore, China and Hong Kong and many states throughout Australia. Many who sponsored the walk have never been to the old Barneys but got behind the walk because it is such an important cause for the community and our Church.
We would also like to thank the ministers and congregations of the other six churches who so kindly opened their doors to our walkers: St Benedict's Broadway, Christ Church St Laurence, Chinese Presbyterian Church, St Saviour's Redfern, Newtown Mission, St Stephen's Newtown. It was great to visit such interesting and beautiful buildings along the walk and learn more about their local history and ministry.
Our sincere thanks to our walk sponsors and Barneys partners for their support. These are:
- Pinnacle Catering - who provided the delicious and healthy lunch provided to walkers.
- Fine Wine and Food - for providing water for walkers.
- Bettaprint Rubber Stamps - for the Church stamps used along the walk.
- AMF Bowling and Featherdale Wildlife Park for providing gift vouchers as prizes.
There were a few sore muscles the next day after the walk - but all worth it for such a great cause. There is much enthusiasm for holding the Barneys Seven Churches Walk again next year- so look out for details in the New Year and you can sign up to walk with us or be a sponsor. Thanks again to everyone involved who provided their feet, funds, time, prayers, energy and support to make this a truly successful and memorable event!
