The Watershed in Kilkenny played host to Paul Fallon this week, who is on a mission to raise a minimum of €100,000 for the homeless. Proceeds will go to an extraordinary programme called ‘On The Road Again’, a 24 week personal development programme, which helps homeless people and those with mental health issues rehabilitate back into society through participation in a tailored fitness and life coaching programme.
Mr Fallon launched the 1,000 Mile Run for Home in October and it sees him take in 31 towns around Ireland from December 1 to December 31. He will run an average of 33 miles each day including Christmas Day.
He arrived at the Watershed in Kilkenny on Monday and completed his final few miles of the day by running on the track. He later met up with Mayor David Fitzgerald at the Pembroke Hotel.
“The 1,000 Mile Run for Home aims to raise a minimum of €100,000 which we hope will go a long way towards keeping people off the streets by enlisting them in the ‘On The Road Again’ programme,” said Paul.
Other known celebrities and local people will run or walk one mile at one of the eight different locations throughout the country including. Mr Fallon hopes to have 1,000 people sign up to run or walk a mile to help fight homelessness.
The cost for one person to be included in the ‘On The Road Again’ programme for 24 weeks is roughly €1,240. This is far more cost effective than what it costs the State when tackling this problem, which is estimated to be between €24,000 and €27,000 per person annually.
‘On the Road Again’ plans to expand to other locations outside of Galway in 2012. Donations can be made online at www.otra.ie
