First Congo of Wiscasset fundraises, with fun, for Habitat for Humanity

Sun, 05/24/2020 - 7:30am

Where in the world is Pastor Josh Fitterling? He’s asking anyone who will listen – to the clues on his videos to help raise money for Habitat for Humanity. 

Fitterling is part of Team First Congregational Church of Wiscasset. He said the church atop the common has taken part in Habitat’s fundraiser walk for years. And this year, the team hopes to raise $5,000 by June 15, he said in text replies and in the YouTube videos. The preserve he visited for the first video turned out to be a challenging one for people to figure out, he said.

The second video reveals the answer and shows Fitterling in the next setting. According to the clues, it has a dock on the Damariscotta River, is a former tree farm and now has “an extensive trail system” on 500 acres.

Fitterling said of the “Where in the world” part of the team’s effort this year, “I wanted to do something a little creative since we can’t do the walk as normal.” Donations are coming in, “which is the most important thing,” he told Wiscasset Newspaper. As of May 21, donations reached $2,725.

Habitat is calling the event a virtual walk because, unlike the first 26 years, people will be walking on their own. “The COVID-19 pandemic brings challenges for us all but Habitat remains hopeful that those who can will lend their support,” the nonprofit’s May 15 press release states. “You can walk anytime until the end of June ... anywhere you choose, on your treadmill, around the house, your yard, the neighborhood, or on a trail, as long as you are safely distanced from others ... Habitat invites you to share your walk by posting your photos or video on ... https://www.facebook.com/Habitat7RiversMaine/

“The early support Habitat has received so far from Spring Walk to Build Business Sponsors has helped jump start our fundraising efforts,” the release continues. It thanks Champion Walk Sponsor Bath Savings Institution and Bronze Walk Sponsors Ames Supply, First Federal Savings, First National Bank, MW Sewall, and Norway Savings Bank. Contact kathy@habitat7rivers.org for information on sponsoring the walk.

Donate at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/habitat-spring-walk-to-build-2020; or by mail to Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine, 126 Maine St., Suite #1, Topsham ME 04086.

Fitterling’s second video thanks everyone who has donated or been considering it. In the text interview, he said he will likely do four more videos, “with the last one being extra special.”

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