On Sunday, Feb. 16, Saint Mary’s College students joined the greater South Bend Community in celebrating the 26th annual Winter Walk, hosted by St. Margaret’s House. Saint Mary’s was alongside upwards of 400 supporters from the South Bend community to walk a mile, bringing awareness to women and children in need and raising funds for the continuation of St. Margaret’s House's work.
With the premise of the Winter Walk being “walk a mile in her shoes,” supporters walked a mile starting at South Bend City Church and ending at St. Margaret’s House. The facility was open to supporters for tours.
Snacks such as popcorn, hot cocoa and cookies were served. Entertainment such as balloon animals, face painting and live music were also provided.
The event aimed to bring more attention to the needs of women and children in the South Bend community.
“This important event invites the whole community to walk together, bearing witness to the challenges and celebrating the victories we encounter along the way,” the organization shared on their website.
According to the event's online campaign, the walk has produced 93% of total intended earnings from individual sponsors and organizations including: Saint Mary’s College, IUSB Honors Program, Notre Dame Facilities Design & Operations Team, Off The Avenue, St. Peter’s Church and more. The walk has made at least $93,000 since the completion of the one mile.
464 supporters attended the event, despite the cold, windy weather. As emphasized on the St. Margaret’s House website, the attendance number echoed the walk’s mission: “This year’s Winter Walk will offer a new look at the experience of women in our community who must rely on their feet for transportation: no matter the weather.”
Different Saint Mary’s organizations, both individual groups and clubs, completed the walk. Among those groups was the Sisterhood of Service, a club which aims to serve the greater community through volunteer work and functions.
Sisterhood of Service president senior Elle Houin shared the importance of integrating events such as the Winter Walk into the Saint Mary’s community.
“I think it's wonderful just to get students out and about, off of campus and in the community,” Houin said. “It's a wonderful opportunity for students to get involved and provide some service to the community and get involved in volunteering in an organization such as this.”
Other attendees also attested to the connection this event brought for the tri-campus and greater South Bend community.
“It kind of connects campus with community,” freshman Avery Maxwell (missing) said.
Maxwell volunteered at the event as a route ambassador. Already a member of Sisterhood of Service, Maxwell wanted to “go a little bit farther and have a specific role in [the event]. I wanted to meet these people,” Maxwell said.
Along with other route ambassadors, Maxwell stood on prominent locations along the mile-long trek. Each spot represented a location guests of St. Margaret’s house and women-in-need frequently use to bring more awareness to the lives the walk supports.
Approximately 26 walk attendees were from Saint Mary’s, including sophomores Katelyn Ralph and Ella Eitniear. Ralph and Eitniear shared their purpose for attending the walk.
“It's a good cause and something easy that I can do,” Ralph said.
Eitniear continued the conversation, adding, “We have the opportunity to follow up and do something good for the community.”
In response to the challenge of the weather, Eitniear offered an unwavering, prepared perspective.
“I‘ve got my mittens, I'm set,” Eitniear said.
