PORT ADELAIDE veteran Justin Westhoff has asked people to walk a mile with him on Friday to raise money to help eradicate homelessness in our community, and awareness of just how big an issue it is. 

Westhoff is an ambassador for Hutt St Centre, which has long worked to help those who are doing it tough. 

The centre says there are nearly 6,000 people experiencing homelessness in South Australia every year. 

Each year it runs its fundraiser Walk a Mile in My Boots to allow South Australians to experience what it’s like for people facing homelessness. 

The walk will take place on Friday 10 August and Westhoff will be there, taking a cold winter’s walk to find food, a warm drink and a friendly face at the end. 

He says by taking part, it helps people doing it tough realise they are not alone. 

“I believe that everyone deserves to have access to a healthy meal, clean clothes and a place to call home,” he said. 

“I also think homelessness is a situation that people, regardless of their age, can move out of with the right support and in particular with the right opportunities. Most people just need a chance. 

“The ten years I have spent helping Hutt St Centre do its incredible work have introduced me to some amazing people with amazing stories to tell. It has made me realise that many of us take for granted just how lucky we are.” 

“Westy” and many of his teammates and staff of the Port Adelaide Football Club will be there for the 7:30am walk, and Power players trained in their special Walk a Mile in My Boots beanies on Thursday. 

He said he’d seen firsthand the hope, opportunity and choice Hutt St Centre had provided to many who were having a tough time and he urged people to donate.

“They’ve been an amazing part of the community for years and have probably copped some unwarranted slack recently,” Westhoff said.

“But they’re coming around for their tenth Walk a Mile and they’re really on the front line of homelessness, which no one should have to deal with and they do an amazing job in that space.

“Any money you can spare for these guys would be valuable. They do an amazing job and need all the help they can get.”

You can donate at the link below to Walk a Mile with Westy.

https://walkamileinmybootsadelaide.everydayhero.com/au/walk-with-westy

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