Students, families, advocates, and community members from the greater Boston area gathered on the Boston Common on Sunday, Feb. 11 for the 8th annual Winter Walk fundraiser. Winter Walk is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funding with the goal to one day end homelessness in our communities. The walk itself, according to the organization’s website, is “our chance to link arms with those who experience homelessness and to listen humbly to their stories.” Before the walk, participants could fundraise by themselves or as a team. At the event, participants had the opportunity to listen to stories from people who have and are still experiencing homelessness, as well as meet the dozens of organizations that their fundraising money will go to. Mayor Michelle Wu also made an appearance at the event, giving opening remarks and talking about the importance of affordable housing and how the city continues to help those experiencing homelessness.
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A participant walks with a dog towards the check-in tents on the Boston Common for the Winter Walk. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)
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Event volunteers cheer on the participants as they begin their two-mile walk. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
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Thousands of people march shoulder to shoulder on the Boston Common during the 8th annual Winter Walk. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
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Mayor Michelle Wu gives opening remarks during the 8th annual Winter Walk on the Boston Common on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
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A participant wearing a Winter Walk drawstring bag waits in the main gathering area for the event. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)
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During the walk, participants pass by the Embrace statue on the Boston Common. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)
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Samantha Mckaige, a student at Berklee College of Music, performs for the participants as they return from their walk. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)
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Event participants sporting their blue beanies and drawstring bags while listening to the opening remarks of the event before the walk. (Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)
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Sarah Reed speaks to the crowd about her experiences with homelessness before the walk on the Boston Common. (Arthur Mansavage/Beacon Staff)
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