Murphy – Rain did not stop folks from showing up at the Rock Gym pavilion at Konehete Veterans Park for the annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk on June 16.
The walk, which was organized by Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties, brought out about 35 people ready to walk in the rain as far around the park as they could. There were tables set up with free resource information as well as gifts and snacks.
Matthew Crawford, marketing coordinator and victim advocate for Reach, also participated in the rainy trek.
“I’m absolutely walking because our seniors matter, they deserve for people to show up. We’re happy to bring awareness and help anyone who might feel alone,” he said.
“We want them to feel seen and know that we have resources and services to help them. There are people out here that do care.”
According to national estimates, 5 million senior citizens suffer from abuse each year.
Details: Visit reachofcherokeecounty.org or call the nonprofit’s help line at 828-837-8064.