St. John's University Students “Walk for the Homeless” to Raise Awareness and Support on Friday, April 10

April 06, 2009

Queens, NY - 

Groups of St. John’s students will be using their time off during the Easter Break to participate in the University’s Annual 5K “Walk for the Homeless” on Friday, April 10 on the Queens campus.  These students will be walking from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to support the homeless in New York City and all across the world.  

In the past two years, the 5K walk has raised more than $60,000 and this year is expected to surpass that total while increasing awareness of this population and their plight.  This year’s walk is being sponsored by the Campus Ministry Department and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. John’s University.

The walk revolves around Good Friday in the Catholic Church, which is a holy day when Christians commemorate the passion, suffering and death on the cross of Jesus Christ.  Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation.

St. John’s students donate their time and efforts in making this sacrifice to strongly support the cause in bringing attention to the poor, who are most vulnerable within our society.  Those who participate in this 5K walk are asked to secure sponsors who pledge money per mile or in a lump sum.  All proceeds will go directly to organizations who deal with the needs of the homeless.

In the event of rain, the Walk for the Homeless will take place in Taffner Field House on the Queens Campus.  Registration begins at 9 a.m. in St. Thomas More Church, rain or shine.

For more information about this event and Campus Ministry feel free to call (718) 990-6255.  For all Media inquiries please contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for Media Relations, at (718) 990-6185 or sciannad@stjohns.edu.  For additional news about St. John's University please visit the www.stjohns.edu/news.