Charity starts on the ground

CHARITABLE SHOES: Inspired by his family's passion for helping others, Richard Pedersen will be trekking between Masterton and Featherston this weekend to raise money for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. PHOTO/ANDREW BONALLACK

A generations-long passion for social justice and helping the less fortunate has got Richard Pedersen donning his walking shoes.

The Masterton man is embarking on a 35km trek from Masterton to Featherston this weekend - all on foot - to raise money for the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in Southeast Asia.

The typhoon left a trail of devastation in its wake, killing more than 6000 in the Philippines alone, and leaving many more homeless.

Moved by the television footage of the disaster, Mr Pedersen started planning his walk of hope - inspired by advice from his Irish grandmother.

"I always remember her saying when I was growing up, 'If there's something you can do to help someone, make sure you do it'," said Mr Pedersen, a grandfather of four.

"My whole family was like that. Because of my grandmother, I've never been the type of guy to sit on my butt and do nothing if people are in trouble.

"It's that old Kiwi way - getting in there and rolling up your sleeves."

He said his inspiration for the charity walk was cemented by close friend Ray Cruz, who has family still living in the Philippines.

"He's my best mate. You've got to help your friends."

Mr Pedersen, who works as an egg grader, completed the same 35km walk in 2010 following the Haiti earthquake, and managed to raise close to $1300.

The walk, from the Chapel St Warehouse to Featherston's cenotaph, took seven-and-a-half hours.

He was accompanied by 10 other walkers, including a woman in an electric wheelchair.

"It was exhausting, but worth it," he said.

"The hardest part was the stretch from Greytown to the Tin Hut [at Tauherenikau]. You can see the building in the distance the whole way.

"But I know I can do it again."

Mr Pedersen is currently training for the walk with support from trainers at the Genesis Recreation Centre.

So far, he has raised $500, with help from his gym, church community, friends and family.

Funds raised for his upcoming walk will be passed on to TEAR Fund Christian Action, a New Zealand aid and development organisation, serving impoverished communities in Africa, Asia and South America.

Mr Pedersen's Wairarapa "Walk of Hope" will kick off at 6.30am on Saturday January 25, at the Warehouse carpark on Chapel St.

If you wish to offer support, or join in, contact Mr Pedersen on 027 955 8496.