The Elizabeth Freeman Center’s Annual ‘Walk a Mile’ fundraiser is going virtual this year.

“We know that we can’t come together this year as we usually do, but we also knew that we couldn’t kind of stop,” says Janis Broderick, executive director of the Elizabeth Freeman Center.

Last year, more than 900 people joined the walk, raising more than $90,000. Broderick says although they can’t be together, the community is bringing the same energy to this year’s walk.

“People are online forming teams and fundraising and having fun with it. There’s little mini competitions going on as to who can raise the most money, so that’s been really helpful,” says Broderick.

The fundraiser comes at a time of increased need. Their shelter for victims of domestic violence has remained open during the pandemic, and Broderick says they’re getting more calls to their domestic violence hotline (866-401-2425).

“The calls that we’re getting are more desperate, the violence is more extreme, the situation’s more complicated.”

Broderick says they’re hoping the walk will raise awareness of domestic violence in Berkshire County, and help cover the costs of keeping their shelter open.

“We’re looking for money everywhere we can to keep things going, and I don’t know that we’ll raise as much money through this year’s ‘Walk a Mile,’ but we’re hoping to raise enough,” says Broderick.

The virtual ‘Walk a Mile’ event runs from September 8 through September 18, and you can find out more information or register at elizabethfreemancenter.org.​