A CHARITY is calling on Coventrians to put their foot forward and brave the walk for children on the day iconic city landmarks are set to go green in support of vulnerable youngsters.
Buildings and landmarks in Coventry, including the Whittle Arch, Christchurch and Greyfriars Green, will be going green on the night of December 22, the longest of the year.
People across the country are being urged to sign up and walk 5k that night to raise vital funds for the charity and its Childline service.
The Childline service will provide counsellors to answer life-changing calls throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day.
While children are at home for the holidays, they are cut off from other support systems meaning Childlines service becomes more vital over Christmas.
Last Christmas, Childline delivered more than 1,000 high-risk counselling sessions.
Hundreds of people completed the 5k last year, raising over £100,000.
It costs £10 to sign up for Walk for Children, with people asked to try and raise £100.
Amanda Synnott, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Coventry, said: “Our Childline service is expecting a child to contact them every 45 seconds this Christmas, and while it’s free for them to contact the service over the phone or internet, every counselling session costs the charity around £4.
“For children facing abuse, the winter nights are dark, long and lonely, and we want all children to know that Childline is here for them, even on the darkest nights.
“We rely on public donations for around 90 per cent of our funding, and by joining us on December 22 you can help Childline answer more life-changing calls.”
