Lace up your sneakers, call your mom, and join HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) over Mother’s Day Weekend for the 26th annual Walk for HAWC, on Saturday, May 12, in Salem, with emcee Jenny Johnson, TV personality and co-host of Dining Playbook on NESN, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, who will serve as honorary chair, although unable to attend in person. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States and HAWC, the longest-standing domestic violence agency on the North Shore, is entirely dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse. Beginning and ending at the beautiful Salem Common, the annual 5k is HAWC’s largest fundraising and community event, attended by over 1,000 people each year. The goal is to raise $100,000, with all of the proceeds benefitting HAWC’s programs and services, which support nearly 3,000 clients annually.
Community members and supporters are invited to volunteer, sponsor, create or join a team for the Walk for HAWC. There will be music, food, and exciting activities available in the Salem Common before the Walk kicks off at noon, and walkers are encouraged to return to the Common upon finishing to enjoy a complimentary lunch.
“The Walk is such an important community event, and we rely on our supporters to come together and raise funds for HAWC’s efforts to reduce domestic violence in our communities, as well as support and empower survivors,” says Paula Herrington, HAWC’s executive director. “HAWC has been providing critical domestic violence services for 40 years and that is made possible in large part by the funds and awareness raised by the Walk.”
“No American should live in fear of abuse,” says Senator Elizabeth Warren. “No child should see violence in their home. Together we can send a strong message: there is no place for domestic violence in this country – and victims of this cruelty are not alone.”
HAWC has been dedicated to supporting the victims of domestic abuse and working to change social norms and behaviors that perpetuate violence and oppression for the last 40 years. HAWC provides services and support to victims residing in 23 cities and towns on the North Shore, including offering a 24-hour hotline, Emergency Family Shelter, a Parent-Child Trauma Recovery Program, Legal Services, Advocacy & Education, and dedicated support groups to assist victims of domestic abuse.
Those who pre-register before April 27 will pre-order their $10 T-Shirt, which will be waiting for you at check-in! Regular online registration will remain open from April 28 – May 9 and day-of registration will be available, both with the option to purchase a shirt at check in for $15 (first come, first serve). For more information or to register, please visit: hawcdv.org/walk
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.; walk begins at noon.
Salem Common, N. Washington Square, Salem