Walking for Ugandan ministry

More than 130 people have walked 12 kilometres from Gosford Waterfront to Woy Woy to raise funds for Hearts of Africa.

The fundraising event raised more than $13,000 for Watoto Childcare Ministries in Uganda.

Event organiser Ms Justine Collins said she was overwhelmed by the response and support that was given by the community.

"It was a fantastic and overwhelming response that we received," Ms Collins said.

"We will be definitely holding another walk next year to continue to raise funds."

The Hearts of Africa fundraising group was formed 18 months ago to raise money for Watoto Childcare Ministries in Kampala, Uganda.

The money will go to building a house for AIDS orphans and help with the rehabilitation of child soldiers in the war-torn region.

More than $38,000 in funding is needed to build a house in the Watoto village.

To date, Hearts of Africa have raised $20,000 through local donations and fundraising events such as the Gosford to Woy Woy Fundraising Walk.

In January, Ms Collins and her family travelled to Uganda and met up with a mission team to build a teacher's house in one of the Watoto Villages.

They plan to return with a mission team from the Central Coast in December next year to Gulu in Northern Uganda.

"About 30,000 children were abducted from villages in Uganda, and there are still 10,000 missing," Ms Collins said.

"We want to make these children a home where they can be safe and nurtured."

Press release, 1 Aug 2008 Justine Collins, Hearts of Africa