31st Annual Walk For Warmth Set For Feb. 21-27

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — Registration is open for the 31st annual Macom Community Action Walk for Warmth, a self-paced 5k event that raises money for low-income people in Macomb County in need during the winter months.

All money raised during the fundraiser will go toward assisting Macomb County residents with heat-related emergencies, such as paying a utility bill or replacing a broken furnace, county officials said. The Walk for Warmth will be held individually, with people participating at a location of their choosing between Feb. 21-27 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Every year, Macomb County residents join together in the Walk for Warmth to help care for their neighbors in need,” Macomb Community Action Director Ernest Cawvey said. “As the COVID pandemic continues to exacerbate the challenges of our most vulnerable families, our 31st 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.”

County officials said the Walk for Warmth has raised nearly $770,000 that has helped local families stay warm throughout the winter since the event began. In 2020 alone, officials said, the event helped raise money for 26 households, helping over 50 people with electric and/or natural gas assistance.

People who participate in the event will pledge online to walk or run 5 kilometers and can take selfies and photos throughout their run or walk. Participants who hashtag their photos with #W4W2021 and tag Macomb Community Action on Facebook and Twitter can enter themselves for photo contests and prizes.

The first 100 walkers to sign up will receive a Wally the Walker scarf, the county said.