Community unites for Big Water Walk

The Caritas initiative calls on communities to stand in solidarity with people experiencing poverty, inviting participants to step into their shoes to better understand their daily struggles.

As they walked, participants carried buckets of water, symbolic of the reality of many in poorer countries who walk more than five kilometres a day to access clean water.

St Mary’s parish priest Fr Novie Lim said the event was well received by the participants.

“It went very well. It was well supported, especially by St Mary's Primary School and St Joseph's College,” he said.

“It was good to see parishioners who attended and walked as well.

“It was long, but it was good because the weather was nice, and it was easy for the children.”

In previous years, participants would circle the parish block but this year, a new route was introduced.

Setting off from St Mary’s Parish after a brief liturgy, the group of students and parishioners made their way through the Port of Echuca towards St Joseph’s Brigidine Campus.

Coliban Water also helped out on the day, setting up a water station for the students at St Joseph’s School to help keep everyone hydrated on their journey.

They then finished the final leg of their walk by walking along Warren St towards St Mary’s school.

The students and parishioners walked about 4km in total, and were rewarded with a barbecue once they reached their destination.

The event helped raise money for Caritas’ annual Project Compassion.

The proceeds will be added to the total raised during Lent and counted before Easter Sunday.