Share this @internewscast.com

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Patrick McConnell has been training for three months to walk from San Francisco’s Ocean Beach to Santa Cruz barefoot. He says every step will help raise money for immigrant children detained at the border.

“Many of these kids are fleeing violence, trafficking, unimaginable hardships back at home then they are met with a system that treats them like adults,” says McConnell.

McConnell says he’s partnered with the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights an organization that provides child advocates to help give these kids a voice in court and reunite them with their families.

“Ensure that when children are going through these proceedings that they feel safe, that their safety is considered. That wherever they land they are able to be freed from detention,” says Oneida Vargas Molina, child advocate supervisor at the Young Center.

McConnell has been fundraising online and posting videos on Instagram showing what it’s been like to train for the journey. He says the first time he unlaced his shoes for a walk, he only made it 1 mile. Now, he’s up to 13 miles.

“Trying to get it going multiple days in a row is a different story, which is what I’ll be doing for the actual walk,” says McConnell. But it’s pretty painful. I would say my feet have definitely toughened up. I definitely scrape them every once in a while. It’s not always a pretty sight but I’ll spare you the details.”

McConnell says he believes it’ll take six days to complete the 100-mile journey, and knows it will not be an easy feat.

“My main concern is stepping on glass, stepping on anything that could end the walk,” says McConnell. “I will be walking down Highway 1. There isn’t a great clear path. No clear walking trail the whole way down. I’ll be on the side of the road. Most of the time there will be a shoulder, but there are some portions that don’t really have a shoulder and that’s what I’m most concerned about.”

He’s already raised more than $12,000, with a goal to get to $50,000.

“Every $1,000 helps support 26 children with a child advocate in court and in life. I know it’s going to an amazing cause. So any amount that can be raised is better than nothing so I’m feeling really grateful for that.”

McConnell’s walking journey will begin on Saturday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at Ocean Beach across from the Beach Chalet, and he’s inviting all to come out. Anyone who would like to donate to McConnell’s fundraiser can visit here.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

AI Recruiters: The Future of Job Interviews

Wafa Shafiq, a 26-year-old Canadian marketing professional and lifestyle influencer, has been…

7-Eleven Celebrates 98th Anniversary with Free Slurpees and Fun Tongue Tattoos

7-Eleven is marking its 98th birthday on July 11 with a nationwide…

Double Fatality in Coles County: Two Lose Lives in Separate Crashes on Thursday Night, Says Coroner

COLES COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Two individuals lost their lives in two…

Asian Markets Show Mixed Performance Following Wall Street’s Record-Breaking Close

MANILA – Asian markets displayed mixed results amid cautious trading on Friday.…

Lithuanian President Pays Tribute to Four Fallen Fort Stewart Soldiers

FORT STEWART, Ga. () — Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has posthumously bestowed…

Rubio Set to Meet China’s Foreign Minister in Malaysia Amid Escalating US-China Tensions

KUALA LUMPUR – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is concluding his…

Aiken Resident Charged with Child Exploitation

AIKEN, S.C. () – A man has been taken into custody by…

UPDATE: Harmful Algae Bloom Renders Mattoon Tap Water Unsafe, Poses Health Risks

Update at 7:30 p.m. MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — The entire City of…

Reward of $35,000 Announced for Information on Suspect in Shooting at ICE Detention Facility

() A manhunt is underway for a man accused of shooting at…

AI-Driven Hotel Welcomes World Leaders and Dignitaries for Inaugural Event

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Southern Nevada’s first AI-powered hotel made headlines Thursday,…

Savannah Unveils Hostess City Food and Wine Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — The 2025 Hostess City Food and Wine Fest Savannah, a…

UPDATE: United States Suspends Mexican Cattle Imports Again

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a new suspension…