Outdoor self-paced 5k event to benefit low-income residents in Macomb County facing heat-related emergencies

Registration is now open for Macomb Community Action’s 31^st annual Walk for Warmth 2021 (W4W2021), a self-paced 5k event that supports low-income Macomb County residents in need during the winter months. All funds raised during the event will be used to assist individuals with heat-related emergencies like paying a utility bill or replacing a broken furnace. Due to COVID-19 precautions, W4W2021 will be held individually per resident at a location of their choice from Sunday, February 21 to Saturday, February 27, 2021.

“Every year, Macomb County residents join together in the Walk for Warmth to help care for their neighbors in need,” said Ernest Cawvey, director of Macomb Community Action. “As the COVID pandemic continues to exacerbate the challenges of our most vulnerable families, our 31^st Walk for Warmth is more important than ever. The pandemic also reminds us that we cannot address these monumental challenges alone, and the Walk for Warmth symbolizes the broad partnerships that help Macomb Community Action serve our community. We are thankful for the outpouring of community support that we have received throughout the pandemic, and grateful to our Walk for Warmth community sponsors and all of the individuals that have pledged their support this year. We look forward to seeing you virtually for this event.”

Since it began, Walk for Warmth has raised nearly $770,000 that has helped local families stay warm in their homes throughout the winter. In 2020 alone, the event helped support 26 households -- over 50 individuals -- with electric and/or natural gas assistance. Of these recipients:

• 14% were single-parent households
• 43% of families were at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level
• 35% of the individuals were children
• 12% were Seniors age 60+
• 21% were disabled individuals
• 5 households were assisted with furnace repairs and replacements

Participants will pledge online to walk or run 5k and are encouraged to take selfies and photos throughout their experience. By hashtagging #W4W2021 and tagging Macomb Community Action on Facebook (@MacombCommunityAction) and Twitter (@_mcaction), participants can enter themselves for photo contests and prizes. The first 100 walkers to sign up will receive a Wally the Walker scarf.

For more information about #W4W2021 or to sponsor this event, please visit mca.macombgov.org/mca-W4W.