Not only will Home-Start receive 140% return on what you raise but you’ll get the major buzz of a mass participation event, experience great entertainment, hearty food and meet many others walking for causes that matter to them like yours.

These, according to Susanne Morrison, Marketing and Sponsorship Manager for the Kiltwalk, are just some of the reasons why participating in Scotland’s flagship national fundraising event is a great way to make a difference to people’s lives. Oh, and by the way: kilts are optional, but tartan is encouraged! 

Every year thousands of walkers of all ages and abilities, don their finest tartan and take on the Wee Wander (5 miles), the Big Stroll (12 miles), or the Mighty Stride (26 miles) all in aid of charity. We’re encouraging you to get involved to support Home-Start’s work across the UK or in particular support one of our 31 local Home-Starts.

Whether you’re a member of staff, a trustee, a volunteer, a beneficiary or supporter of the work that Home-Start do, we want you to join us.

This is a chance to raise not only the valuable funds that so many families benefit from, but also awareness of all the fantastic work we do.

Last year, in the UK, we supported 28926 families and 59628 children. In Scotland, 3033 families and 5795 children benefited from Home-Start. But we couldn’t help a further 132 familes and 251 children in need. Our service only stretches so far. Fundraising with the Kiltwalk can significantly transform our network’s capacity to support early years families.

As little as £5 can enable a parent to attend a local family support group, £10 could fund one of our highly trained volunteer’s first visit to a family in need, and £50 could pay for the training that all of our amazing volunteers receive to ensure the support they deliver makes a real and lasting difference to Scottish families.

The Kiltwalk takes place in Dundee on 20th August and in Edinburgh on 17th September. In 2018, it returns to Glasgow in April and Aberdeen in June. The events are more like 'happenings' - high energy, fun charity events like no other with a creative, social agenda that grows every year. There is a carnival atmosphere with pit stops along the route to keep walkers motivated, energised and entertained – in the past the Bay City Rollers have even been known to make an appearance.

On Sunday 17th September, come and say ‘hello’ or walk with the Scotland team in Edinburgh.

Once we have completed the walk, the fun begins. Afterwards, we’ll be invited to explore the Kiltwalk Village, treated to more entertainment and our weary bodies get the chance to relax, soak up the atmosphere and claim our well-deserved meal vouchers. Remember, all of the money you raise plus an additional forty per cent will go directly to Home-Start UK or to the local Home-Start of your choice – simply register and nominate your charity recipient. You will be making a huge difference to improving the lives of families all over Scotland.

Register for the Kiltwalk here

If you’re walking in the Kiltwalk for Home-Start we would love to hear from you and share your plans and stories.
So be sure to email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 281 0871.

Let’s take the opportunities the Kiltwalk offers to bring together communities from all over Scotland to support Home-Starts’ service, supporting families to help give children the best start in life.

Orla Kearney is an Administration and Project Support Officer, Big Hopes Big Future Programme for Home-Start UK (Scotland) and on Home-Start’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk team. She has an interest in children’s rights having previously studied Family Law and Social Welfare Law.