On Fri., Aug. 13, Saint Anselm students began their 130-mile journey from Lewiston, Maine to Manchester, N.H., for the annual Road for Hope walk. This eight-day pilgrimage takes place rain or shine with the goal of raising money for nine local charities. This year Saint Anselm students are also walking for the SHARE Fund of Rochester.
During the eight days, students walk during the day taking their much-needed rest at night in local churches or schools. This year, there are 43 students taking part including six student leaders: Amelie Crowe ’22, Caroline Quinn ’22, Emily Huston ’22, Joe Fenerty ’22, Lexi Hurlbert ’22 and Meredith Gebski ’23.
“I am walking Road For Hope because I believe that we are walking towards a greater purpose than just walking the 130 miles. The Saint Anselm community has taught me how to be a contributing community member, and I am looking forward to serving communities outside of our own and putting what I have learned to use,” says Clay Young ’23. He continued, “from a faith aspect, this walk is especially important to me as I am seeking to connect with my faith every day. Every step of our journey is one step closer towards solidarity and shows a great representation of faith. Growth is essential in our lives, even when we think we're at our best. During these days of walking, I hope to grow on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. We are lucky to have an opportunity that not many places offer, and we hope to make the absolute most of it."
The Road for Hope tradition was started in 1998 by Seamus Griesbach. Seamus chose to walk from his hometown of Lisbon, Maine all the way to Manchester to start his freshman year at Saint Anselm College. Along with his brother, the two walked around 130 miles. The next year, Seamus once again walked the 130-mile journey but this time he did so with over 30 of his friends. They used their walk to raise money for charities between Lewiston and Manchester. Campus Ministry has since made this walk an official event at Saint Anselm College.
This Road for Hope is supporting the following local charities: Relief and Hope, Community Concepts, Good Shepherd Food Bank, York County Shelter Program, Saint Charles School, Rochester recreation Arena and Youth Services, Candia Moore School Drug Awareness Program, Kid’s Cafe, and Upreach Therapeutic Riding Center.
To follow along with the Road for Hope journey visit the Road for Hope blog or their Instagram account. The walkers will return to campus on Sat., Aug. 21 at 2:30 p.m. and be welcomed back by family and friends.