Walk for Haiti Friday at the Torigian Center

Once again, Faith and Concern, Inc. is encouraging residents to come out on Good Friday to support the people of Haiti.

The 3.1-mile walk is in its 37th year and takes place on the track behind the , starting at 9 a.m. on April 6. The event lasts about two hours. Money raised from the walk goes toward supporting the organization's mission in Haiti.

That mission entails finding ways to respond to poverty and distress in the world, primarily in Haiti. Faith and Concern organizes regular trips to the tiny Caribbean nation with humanitarian workers -- clergy and other volunteers, including doctors and dentists -- to meet needs the group has encountered there.

Some of those projects this year include water purification, expanding a local hospital for rural villages and helping pay Haitian schoolteachers. Other work aids children who are blind, deaf or handicapped, provides medical and educational supplies and helps rebuild homes in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes and floods.

The small ecumenical organization was founded in 1976 by Peabody resident Micheline Vareika and a group of other residents, including some from Lynnfield. Two of those founders were the late Rev. Bob and Ruth Barber.

This year's walk is dedicated to the memory of Ruth Barber, who died earlier this year, and was a World War II nurse who then helped feed, clothe and educate Haitian children over the years.

Sister Nancy Rowen, of the Sisters of Notre Dame, tells the Lynn Daily Item that the annual walk has raised more than $500,000 over the years for at least 25 different projects in Haiti. Faith and Concern also partners with the Daughters of Mary, Queen Immaculate, which serves Haitian girls and was founded in 1971.

The organization was chartered as a non-profit corporation in 1979, and in 1984 received the special blessing of Pope John Paul II.

Those interested in sponsoring walkers should call Gail Bowlds at 978-535-1431 or Karen Smith at 978-618-4992. Checks can be made payable to Faith and Concern Inc., 6 Wildwood Dr., Peabody, MA 01960.