A record number of fundraisers have taken part in the the first Kiltwalk series of fundraising events in cities across Scotland amid a cut in the entry fee for participants “in recognition of soaring inflation rates”.
At the latest event, which took place in Aberdeen on Sunday 4 June, a record 3,500 people took part to raise money for 400 charities. This is a 52% increase on last year’s event in the city, when 2,300 took part to support 285 charities.
The event’s April fundraiser in Glasgow also attracted a record number of participants, when 14,000 took part. The previous year’s event in Glasgow attracted 10,000 fundraisers.
Those taking part are offered the choice of three activities, the 26-mile Mighty Stride, the 15-mile Big Stroll or a three-mile Wee Wander.
The entry fee for this year's events has been cut in recognition of the impact of inflation. This saw the entry fee for the Mighty Stride reduced by 37% from £32 to £20.
Any losses through the reduction are being underwritten by the event’s backer Sir Tom Hunter through his Hunter Foundation.
Aberdeen 2023… what an incredible day, the biggest ever in the Granite City!
— Kiltwalk (@thekiltwalk) June 4, 2023
On behalf of everyone at Kiltwalk, @SirTomhunter, @THunterF and your chosen Charities - THANK YOU ALL for your Kiltwalk Kindness ❤️
That’s a wrap!#KiltwalkAberdeen pic.twitter.com/qGHyYYVSjT
“Today’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk will help 400 different Scottish charities, the biggest in one day,” said Hunter.
“The efforts of our 3,500 walkers will make a massive difference to people who need it so much. It’s astonishing! The Kiltwalk community in the northeast has done us proud.
“At a time when the cost-of-living crisis is taking a terrible toll, it’s important that so many people have come out and walked and donated for those who need it most. I’d like to thank each and every one of our walkers and their supporters for their enormous Kiltwalk kindness.”
Among those taking part were former captain of Aberdeen FC Russell Anderson, who was raising funds for his foundation, which supports children in the city.
The next Kiltwalk events will take place from St Andrews to Dundee on 20 August and in Edinburgh on 17 September.
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