Winter Walk – February 12

Boston’s annual family-friendly Winter Walk, which takes place on February 12, is quite different than other charity walks and fundraisers. Sure, it would probably be more pleasant to convene on a warm summer weekend or a bright spring afternoon to raise desperately needed funds and awareness to end child and family homelessness. Doing so, however, might lessen the immeasurable personal impact that many Winter Walk participants experience after walking the walk to understand the plight of Boston’s homeless children and parents, who are often at their most vulnerable throughout the region’s bitter winter season.

Many walkers return year after year precisely because the Winter Walk takes place during the coldest month. The two-mile walk, which begins at 8:30 a.m. in Copley Square, provides a simple reminder of what happens when children and parents become homeless, and reinforces the reasons why organizations like FamilyAid – a 2023 event partner – are so vital.

“Raising funds through our Winter Walk participation has been invaluable for helping us carry out our mission,” said Alicia Ianiere FamilyAid’s chief advancement officer. “While homelessness for children and families is on the rise nationwide following several years of decline, Boston’s numbers have actually decreased, and that’s proof that FamilyAid’s programs are working.”

Thanks in part to funds raised by its 2022 Winter Walk team, FamilyAid prevented 2,238 children and parents struggling with housing instability from falling into homelessness last year. The demand is expected to be significantly higher this year, making the upcoming event even more crucial.

Organized to be both fun and inspirational, the Greater Boston Winter Walk is a kid, colleague, family, and dog-friendly event that allows participants to demonstrate that Bostonians care for their neighbors. It concludes at Copley Square with a musical and informational program that celebrates some of the success stories of the formerly homeless. Those who are unable to make it to Boston on February 12 can still take part by supporting the FamilyAid team or forming a team for a remote walk in their neighborhood or workplace.  The Winter Walk is a great opportunity to earn credit for workplace volunteer hours!