Oxfam walk raises money in Flanders Fields
The international charity organisation is hosting a marathon walk in West Flanders to mark the centenary of the First World War and help people affected by conflict today
Do it for Oxfam
The first edition of the Peacewalker challenge will take place in the Westhoek area of West Flanders on 14 May, with teams of four walking 42 kilometres in 10 hours.
“It’s a big challenge,” says Oxfam’s event co-ordinator Delphine Giersé. “Some people will be running, but the message from us is that anyone can do it, so we encourage walkers. With a bit of training and some moral support, anyone can do it.”
The walk takes place in an area where the First World War saw some of its most brutal battles. The route starts at the Peace Village hostel in Mesen and takes you through nearby Ypres and its surroundings, before returning to the small town.
“Mesen was the stage of major events during the war, and armies from many countries crossed paths here, including the Allies and the Germans,” Giersé explains. “It’s important for visitors to see it because of its historical importance.”
Lest we forget
The organisers are still recruiting participants, and at the moment there are more than 90 teams signed up. But only one English-speaking team. “The idea is to promote the event in the international community,” Giersé says. “We would love it if companies used the walk as a team-building exercise for their staff.”
According to Giersé, Peacewalker was conceived as a “little brother” to Oxfam’s annual 100km TrailWalker challenge, which has been running for almost a decade and sees hundreds of teams attempt 100km in 30 hours.
Mesen was the stage of major events during the war, so it’s important for visitors to see it
While the physical challenge is arguably less demanding, each Peacewalker team is also expected to raise at least €750 for projects run by Oxfam. Donors can track how much has been raised online.
The money will go towards helping people stuck in conflict zones and the refugees escaping them. Oxfam is active in more than 90 countries, with the major focus at the moment on Syria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and the Western Sahara.
The organisers are also looking for volunteers to help at the route’s three checkpoints. The volunteers will hand out water and snacks, but also applaud and offer moral support.
According to Giersé, the event will be an emotional one and the key message behind the walk is one of unity. “It’s about showing solidarity not just with people from other countries but also the ones living here in Belgium, including your friends.”
As such, supporters will have a big role to play, and the team members no less so. “They need to be able to rely on each other,” she says. “You start with four people, and you have to finish with the same four people.”
14 May, starting in Mesen, West Flanders
First World War
lives lost in West Flanders
annual visitors to the Westhoek
First Battle of Ypres
- The Great War in Flanders Field
- The Great War Centenary
- First World War Centenary
