Virtual walks will benefit local agencies

Children’s Network of SW Florida Annual Walk Oct. 16 – 18

The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida is holding their 15th Annual Walk to Prevent Child Abuse virtually in Fort  Myers on Oct. 16, 17 and 18.

This year, the event is being held virtually due to concerns of the Covid-19 virus.   The event’s goal is to raise awareness and  funds to create child abuse prevention programs, as well as fulfill the needs of about 2,300 children currently in care.  100% of funds raised will directly benefit local abused and neglected children.

• The Virtual Walk to Prevent Child Abuse registration is open now.  You can walk or run to let people know about the needs of children who have been abused or neglected.  When, where and how far you walk is entirely up to you – around the block, a jog in the park, or a 5K run in your neighborhood – on any day between 10/16/20 – 10/18/20.
• Help raise awareness by taking photos of you/your team, and sharing on Facebook using #PreventChildAbuseSWFL ~ remember to tag us ~ facebook.com/CNSWFL/
• Go to https://www.childnetswfl.org/15th-annual-walk-prevent-child-abuse to register.  The registration fee is $20.00.

In past years, the event has drawn hundreds of people and raised awareness of the consequences of child abuse and its impact on the community.  Money raised through sponsorships provides emergency help for families to meet the basic needs of children such as clothing, car seats, diapers, and other supplies.  Children in the system can attend camp, go to afterschool care, and participate in youth activities.

A special thanks to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, The Identity Group, Finemark Bank,  Sunshine Health and our many committed sponsors, walkers and runners. Please join us in our mission to stop child abuse in our community.  People can help in a variety of ways including forming and/or sponsoring a team or simply making a donation to the agency. 

The Children’s Network of Southwest Florida is a private, not-for-profit agency that has provided child welfare services for the past sixteen years.  The agency has helped and protected thousands of children by facilitating adoptions, managing a system of care that provides early intervention to families at risk, providing case management and services to both families whose children can safely remain in their homes and children who have been removed from their own homes and placed either in foster homes or with extended family.

Form a team and ask for support from friends, family and co-workers. For more information, call The Children’s Network at 239-226-1524, email at info@cnswfl.org or go online at www.ChildNetSWFL.org.

Walk for Apraxia Nov. 7

Apraxia Kids will host the 2020 Southwest Gulf Coast Virtual Walk for Apraxia to continue the efforts of supporting children, families, and professionals affected by childhood apraxia of speech.

Registered participants will have the opportunity to view the privately released virtual ceremony on Nov. 7 and are encouraged to spread awareness by walking in their own local areas. Apraxia Kids is also pleased to share our partnership with K-Love & AIR1 Radio as its national media sponsor for the 2020 Virtual Walk Season helping to spread awareness of our organization across the United States.

The funds raised through the Southwest Gulf Coast Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia Kids, the leading nonprofit that works to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS).

For more info and to register for the Walk for Apraxia, visit www.apraxia-kids.org/walk-for-apraxia-splash-page/

Lee Health Inspiring Health 5K on Nov. 4

Lee Health’s Inspiring Health 5K is going virtual. Registration is now open for the fifth annual event set to take place Nov. 4 – 10. This year, the race will raise funds for COVID-19 relief while maintaining its commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Inclusive to all activity levels and families, the virtual 5K allows participants to run, jog or walk at their own pace and at a location of their choice, including indoors on a treadmill anytime between Nov. 4 – 10.

Participants have the option to upload their race time to runsignup.com and share photos on LeeHealthStrong.org to be entered into a raffle for great prizes.

Visit tinyurl.com/Inspire5K to register. Registration includes a T-shirt and medal. Register by Oct. 5 to guarantee shirt size. For more information, call 239-468-0050