Volunteers help people getting fit

In many countries programs encourage people to walk together. Experienced volunteers and professionals ensure an environment for successful programs. Not for just some time, but permanently.

• For example in Australia, the Heart Foundation in the state of Victoria organizes groups of walkers. Over 80,000 mostly quite obese people regularly go for walks, which are coordinated by 2,000 volunteers.

• Small rewards are part of the program. The walkers enjoy the group activities. Some of them become advocates and lobbyists for better routes.
• Another example is Canada.

• In England, the organization Living Streets got 10,000 overweight people on their feet. They live in low-income neighborhoods.

• Once they got connected, the residents started walking together. They enjoyed the activities more and more, and even helped each other in different fields. Professionals support the citizens.