On Friday, August 21, 2026, 44 Saint Anselm College students set off on the annual Road for Hope. Over the next eight days, the students will walk 130 miles from Lisbon, Maine to return to the Hilltop in time for classes to start. Their walk will raise funds for eight nonprofits in the community they travel through.
“It seems like a great experience to go and walk away from your phone,” said first-year walker, Caroline Heelen ’27. “It’s an experience you won’t be able to get anywhere else.”
This tradition, which began in 1998 with Seamus Griesbach ’02 with his brother. Since then, no fewer than 30 students have begun their year with the walk. Each student is responsible for raising $550 from their friends, family, and community. This year they raised more than $36,619.
While on the road, students keep themselves busy with chants, singing, and more. During their downtime, students reflect on their days, learn more about the organizations they are supporting, and receive food and shelter from local schools and churches.
“[Last Year] I was very much welcomed to the community and it didn’t take long for me to become one with the group,” shared second-time walker Jack Desrosiers ’28. “I’m looking forward to doing it again this year, just to experience all that again, and also ease the minds of new walkers.”
2026 Road for Hope Charities include Relief & Hope Service of Catholic Charities Maine, Community Concepts, Good Shepherd Food Bank, Saint Charles School, SHARE Fund, Candia Moore School,Kids’ Café, Food for Children, and UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
“It’s great, raising money for our community,” said Heelen. “It’s very important, especially at Saint A’s where we’re all about community.”
Walkers will return to campus in the afternoon of Saturday, August 29, and will be greeted by their family, friends, and students on campus for orientation.
Road for Hope is led by six students who return to campus early to prepare for the other walkers’ arrival. They provide medical and emotional support for the walkers, making sure that everyone is included. This year, the six student leaders were: Sarah Lynch ’27, Sarah Potter ’27, Jamie Lemire ‘27, Madeline Fowler ’27, Caden Sanborn ’27, and Ava Lower ‘28.
To follow along with the Road for Hope, visit the Road for Hope Instagram account.