Charity walks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. What makes an event a charity walk?
The terms charity walk, sponsored walk, and walkathon are typically used to describe the same kind of events. The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines a walkathon as:
“A walk covering a considerable distance organized especially to raise money for a cause.”
This definition is consistent with most of the other dictionaries I looked the term up in.
It is fun to watch how others are making their walks unique. It is great to read about how some have found creative ways to include those who could not otherwise participate. However, the creativity and purpose of some charity walks being implemented today are starting to push the envelope of the traditional definition for charity walks.
I propose a different definition for the term charity walk…
“A walk organized for the purpose of benefiting a cause.”
This definition doesn’t require the primary purpose of the walk to be fundraising. This opens the umbrella to include walks that have a different primary purpose, like raising awareness for a cause. The definition doesn’t refer to distance. This allows events like virtual walks to be included as well.
What do you think of this expanded definition for charity walks? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Thanks,
p.s. In my next blog post I will describe the 5 types of charity walks.
Sources:
Photo credit: Daniel Cubillas
walkathon. (2010). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved June 12, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/walkathon
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