The “Good Sams 160 Walkers”, a 31-strong team of Good Samaritan Oblates and Sisters, their friends, families and colleagues, and staff from St Scholastica’s College, Glebe, were among the multitudes who participated in last month’s Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival.
The annual Festival, which attracts over 30,000 entrants of all skill levels and ages, with many also raising funds for a range of charities, is described as one of the most scenic running and walking courses in Australia, as it takes participants across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Margaret Pirotta, Andrea Taylor and Pauline Roach, the three Good Samaritan Oblates whose idea it was to enter a walking team in this year’s Festival, said their aim was to raise awareness of the life and mission of the Good Samaritan Sisters in their 160th anniversary year (1857-2017) and to raise funds for their ongoing ministries in Australia, the Philippines and Kiribati.
“It was a great team effort and a good chance to get to know each other better,” Margaret told The Good Oil.
“It was a beautiful sunny day; we couldn’t have picked a better day to cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and there was a lovely friendly feeling around,” said Margaret.
“The walk took about 45 minutes, and at the end of it, we gathered under a shady tree for a picnic lunch.”
Catherine Cresswell, Executive Director of the Good Samaritan Foundation, said the “Good Sams 160 Walkers” had raised just over $11,000, which will go in full to support the ministries of the Good Samaritan Sisters.
“This was a great initiative by Good Sams Oblates in celebration of 160 years of the congregation,” said Catherine.
“It was a really enjoyable day, with sisters, oblates, friends and supporters walking together in the glorious spring sunshine.
“We were delighted with the result… We are grateful to all who joined us on the day, sponsored a walker, donated or held us in their thoughts!”
Speaking on behalf of the Good Samaritan Sisters, Sister Bernardina Sontrop said she was “deeply grateful” to the organising team and to “the walkers and their sponsors for their commitment which resulted in what was not only a wonderful community event, but raised substantial funds for the various Good Sam ministries”.
“The walk across the Bridge was a very social event as we chatted with walkers young and old, families and friends, all supporting worthwhile causes,” said Bernardina.
“Now that the groundwork for participation has been laid, the participation of a Good Sam team in the Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival has the potential to become a significant fundraiser for the Good Sams Foundation and the support of Good Sam ministries.”
If you haven’t made a donation to support the “Good Sams 160 Walkers” but would still like to, go to www.tinyurl.com/goodsams.
