Hash House Harriers go red for Townsville Women’s Centre

The ‘Hash House Harriers’ - a group of running club friends who dress up in red for charity - have donated their 2024 proceeds to the Townsville Women’s Centre.

Women's Centre specialist homelessness service team leader Sallie Kearnan (middle), accepts a donation of $1500 from Townsville Hash House Harriers, Evelyn Stent, Bill Stent, Don Brown and Kay Edwards. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A group of running club friends have donated the proceeds of their annual ‘red dress run’ to the Townsville Women’s Centre.

The Hash House Harriers didn’t miss the opportunity to frock up in red again when it came time to ceremonially hand over $1500 to homelessness team leader Sallie Kearnan on Wednesday, November 6.

Mrs Kearnan said community donations were appreciated as they gave the Women’s Centre more flexibility.

“Government funding comes with guidelines, but donations we can spend however we want,” Mrs Kearnan said.

“It gives us the flexibility to purchase more clothing, toiletries and food for vulnerable women and children coming to us.”

Women's Centre specialist homelessness service team leader Sallie Kearnan (front), accepts a donation of $1500 from Townsville Hash House Harriers. (L-R) Evelyn Stent, Bill Stent, Women Centre’s business administrator Angela Carroll, Don Brown and Kay Edwards. Picture: Shae Beplate.

In 2023-24, the Women’s Centre assisted 3745 people: 845 for sexual assault, 1590 for health care, and 1310 for homelessness.

Mrs Kearnan estimated they were seeing 25 to 30 homeless women coming into the centre every day searching for help.

Townsville Hash House Harriers general manager Bill ‘Shappens’ Stent said the club was all about supporting those around you, and has its roots in military officers deployed in Kuala Lumpur in the ‘30s who would go on runs from pub to pub - or ‘hash house’ as they’re known in Malaysia.

The club goes on social walks and runs every Monday night around Townsville, and has around 45 active members.

The Townsville Women’s Centre is located beside Aitkenvale State School, and has been delivering free and confidential services for over 40 years.

Originally published as Hash House Harriers go red for Townsville Women’s Centre