MANSFIELD — For the next 24 hours someone will be at the Mansfield YMCA swimming, biking or running.
Richland County Children Services began its annual 24-hour Swim/Bike/Run at the Mansfield Area YMCA on Friday at 4 p.m. The event aims to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. It will continue until Saturday, April 22 at 4 p.m.
Held each April for more than 10 years as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the event also serves as a reminder that the agency takes calls concerning abuse, neglect and dependency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“If you see or suspect child abuse, neglect or dependency, and it’s Saturday morning at 8, you don’t have to wait until Monday morning,” said Carl Hunnell, Public Information and Outreach Supervisor at Richland County Children Services. “You can call, and you will speak to a live human being.”
He hopes the agency employees and board members, county commissioners and community volunteers who participate over the next 24 hours can rack up at least 900 miles, 100 more miles than the group completed last year. People typically sign up in one hour increments and report the number of miles they managed to run, bike or swim before they leave.
But it’s not a fundraiser or competition. It’s about awareness.
“Members of the Y come in and see the green shirt and ask what this is about,” said employee, Brianne Kindinger, who participated Friday night. “And we have the opportunity to talk to them about the services we provide and raise awareness for child abuse and prevention.”
The agency provided pizza at 8 p.m. and anyone who participated in an activity and recorded their mileage is welcome to have a slice.
“They’ll ask ‘can I have some?’” Hunnell said.
He tells them to “Go walk” and they will receive a piece.
When the agency receives a call about child abuse, neglect or dependency, it responds to emergency situations immediately. But people are also urged to call 911 if a child is in danger.
Anywhere from 100 to 125 people are expected to participate.
