by Kimberley Cummins
Come Sunday, September 4, Cultural Ambassador the Most Honourable Stedson “Red Plastic Bag” Wiltshire will lace up his sneakers again in an effort to raise funds for some of Barbados’ most vulnerable.
For the second time, Wiltshire will literally embark on a walk across the length and breadth of the island to do so. This is part of the “Walk the Talk – Walk as One” initiative that was founded by his non-profit organisation the Red Foundation in 2020. Walk the Talk will see Wiltshire and friends conquer the event’s four legs that spawn from St. Philip in the east to St. Lucy in the north over the course of four consecutive Sundays in September.
The beloved calypsonian expressed his excitement to Barbados TODAY and noted the importance of such an endeavor as he encouraged persons to join and give to the cause.
“The last time we held Walk the Talk it was a success and as a result, we were able to assist many families.
This time, we want to do even greater for more families. We understand that times are tough and some Barbadians are in a more dire situation than others, so we hope to help in whatever way we can and inspire others to do likewise,’ Wiltshire explained.
The successful 2020 staging saw people from all strata of society attempting and conquering all of the routes. As a result, the Red Foundation was able to raise funds and collect non-perishable items that assisted over 100 families in need with food hampers.
This year they are looking to redouble their efforts because as chairman of the Foundation Alvin Jemmott noted, the impact of world events is taking its toll on many here too.
“We have to be our brother’s keeper. Support us and Walk the Talk!” he implored.
The first leg kicks off on September 4 at Ragged Point, St. Philip to The Concorde Experience at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA). On September 11, the route begins at GAIA and ends at the J.T.C Ramsay roundabout (Emancipation statue); while the following week (September 18) it picks up from there down to Lancaster, St. James. The final leg, to be held on September 25, moves from Lancaster and culminates at the Daryll Jordan Secondary School in St. Lucy.
All of Barbados, including celebrities, politicians, and other public figures, are challenged to come out to each leg and attempt the distance.
Donations, in the form of non-perishable items, will be received at collection points before and after each walk. The walks move off at six in the morning and end around 9 a.m. (KC)
