Peter Roker aims to help several local charities with “One Penny Per Foot Walk” challenge
Peter Roker, a well-known Bahamian fuel retailer, 80, is set to assist three local charities with a much-needed financial boost. Peter Roker – “Just Because…” – One Penny Per Foot Walk Challenge is slated to kick off on October 10, 2022 – National Heroes Day at 7:00 am.
The funds raised will go directly to the Children’s Emergency Hostel, Ranfurly Home for Children and Abilities Unlimited, with Peter covering all expenses associated with holding the walk.
On event day, Peter, the former owner of the Bargain City Service Station (popularly known as Roker’s Gas Station) at Carmichael Road, will attempt to walk all 248,160 feet or 47 miles of New Providence. Both the starting point and end of the walk will be the site of the new Roker’s Gas Station at Fire Trail, Faith Avenue and the Sir Milo Butler Highway roundabout.
The businessman is appealing to all, including those in the corporate arena, to challenge him by donating one penny for each foot he walks.
“Every single penny will go directly to the recipients,” Peter said of his highly anticipated charity walk, adding: “I am soliciting all to view this as inspiration and look forward to having a good time as I do the walk.”
Roker added that he’s been practising by doing one mile on the treadmill.
Both an expert in the fuel business since 1982 and a community-minded entrepreneur, Peter said he knows well the impact of the Children’s Emergency Hostel, Ranfurly Home for Children and Abilities Unlimited on Bahamian society.
“For many different reasons, these three organisations, along with others, have made an extremely worthwhile contribution to the daily lives of many deserving people in The Bahamas. I am not a stranger to creating entities that have helped charities in the past, but I wanted it to be unique for this one. I wanted to put more of myself into it, and the idea of walking around the entire island or as many feet as I can walk was a unique way to raise money for these organisations.”
Roker shared that he is interested in the initiative because it allows everyone to donate and be a meaningful part of the successful event.
“For instance, school children can donate whatever they wish to from 50 cents, which would be 50 feet, a dollar, which would be 100 feet or any amount they want to. Likewise, public members can donate what they want, and corporate entities can donate what they want. So, it’s very easy to be a part of and, at the same time, make a difference with those in need by contributing. I am a great believer in small amounts adding up into big amounts. So, this will enable everyone to be a part of.”
As for the corporate Bahamas, Peter appealed: “I have been a good friend to the corporate community through my businesses, and I am urging them to go the whole hog.”
Pledges can be donated directly to either of the three organisations. Once there, each will have a pledge sheet where your donations, according to feet, will be recorded along with personal details. There is also an option of doing so anonymously. The process can also be done electronically.
“Pay it now, pay it on event day, pay it afterwards. You do not have to wait!” Peter said.
“I encourage you to support this event,” he said, “I may only walk half of the island or a quarter of the island, but it’s something for a sacrifice and a great cause.”