Walking for a good cause, without ever leaving home

Want to walk for a good cause but find yourself strapped for
time or physically incapable? Welcome to the "virtual walk" where you
can raise money for charity without ever stepping out the front door.

Some 1,500 women began a 31-city virtual walk across the United
States on Monday to benefit breast cancer courtesy of a computer, an avatar and
a $3 donation, Reuters reports. Participants included home design guru Martha
Stewart, British actress Lynn Redgrave, actress Mena Suvari and Jorja Fox of the
"CSI" television show in what organizers say was the worlds first
interactive virtual walk.

The "Gal to Gal Virtual Walk" (www.galtogalwalk.org)
is the brainchild of Oregon entrepreneur Jeanne Fitzmaurice who created a
foundation in 2005 to raise money for patients in the final stage of breast
cancer after two close friends died of the disease.

Supporters design their own Gal avatar, or Internet
representation, for a $3 donation, add clothes and accessories and a personal
story and then watch themselves walk from Boston to San Francisco against a
changing daily landscape.

Fitzmaurice said the idea was to help busy women, no matter what
their physical condition, lend their help in a fun, creative way during Octobers
Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She hopes that one million walkers will sign up.

"You can give thousands of women dignity and comfort when
they need it most from the luxury of your own home ... We dont care if you
are in your sweatpants, just do it," said model-actress Molly Sims, who is
one of those taking part.

Compiled by Stuti Das

stutid@cybermedia.co.in