Man Walking Across Region For Charity To Stop In New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT — A New Hampshire man walking 1,000 miles to raise money for those seeking critical medical care will be making a stop in New Haven. Dwight Barnes, of Deerfield, a retired McDonald’s owner/operator, will set out on his journey Aug. 17 to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of New England.

Barnes will start his ambitious walk at the Ronald McDonald House in Boston and will walk 20-25 miles per day, making his way across New England, according to a statement.

Barnes felt that the best way to raise awareness was to visit those staying at each Ronald McDonald House in New England, and thus will walk to the houses in Portland, Maine; Bangor, Maine; Burlington, Vermont; Springfield, Massachusetts; New Haven, and Providence, Rhode Island. His journey is expected to span 56 days.

“The mission of the RMHC has been near and dear to my heart for decades and I am honored to take on this challenge to help raise much-needed funds for an organization that does so much good for those in need,” Barnes said in a statement. “In training for this walk, I can’t help but think about all the struggles these amazing kids and their families go through. RMHC does their best to accommodate as many families as possible, but we must find a way of avoiding saying ‘no’ to any family in need.”

RMHC of New England’s mission is to develop, support and provide programs that directly improve the health and well-being of critically ill children and their families. In the past three years, requests to stay at the Ronald McDonald House at Boston Harbor have doubled.

It is this vital need for housing, and RMHC of New England’s plans to add additional bedrooms, that first inspired Barnes's efforts.

Supporters can follow along with Dwight’s journey at #JoinTheJourneyHomeRMHCNE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To become a sponsor, donate go to Ronald McDonald House website.