MS Walk - breaking the first barrier

My first target was set by default on $200. Thanks to generosity of my friends and supporters, we broke it! Thanks.
The next barrier is $334, which is equal to the speed of the sound.
Will you help me to break it?
We are very close. I will walk soundless then.

Preparing for MS Walk

Almost a year ago, I participated for the first time in MS Walk. This year, the event will take place on Sunday, June 3rd.

My encounter with MS happened a year ago, thanks to a blog managed by a very brave Polish blogger - annablack (in Polish). From there, I learned about this extremely abject condition, which usually attacks young females. I learned also about brave fight they undertake to fight the illness and very serious shortcomings in Polish health system.

My last years' walk was quite successful, I collected almost $650. I hope to achieve similar result this year. At the same time, I feel some frustrations, that my efforts here do not bring any help to Anna and other MS sufferers in Poland, who are in much worse position than people in Australia. I will try to make a personal donation to Anna as some proportion to money collected for Australian MS Society. Now, time for ACTION!

I invite my readers to:

- walk with me in Albert Park on 3rd of June - entry cost $25. You can also run, unfortunately I will not catch up with you.

- make donation on my webpage,

- make donation personally to me, I will give you an official receipt - contact me by email - pharlap@gazeta.pl

- just give me an approving nod in your thoughts on this day.

Thank You.

Note: all donations above $2 are tax deductible.

YMCA - no country for old men

From time to time I visit Ashburton swimming pool, which is managed by YMCA - Young Men's Christian Association). This year they raised the entry fee - $4.40 for concession ticket. It looks as 25% increase. For a pensioner it is not cheap. For $22 I can visit Melbourne Recital Centre - first class concert venue - and enjoy Mostly Mozart concert performed by world class orchestra. This is only 5 times more expensive than entry to a very average swimming pool. I visit the pool in low peak hours. Very often I am the only swimmer in the outdoor pool and, I suppose, the lifeguard must be very bored watching my slow progress in the water.

Previously, when the price was $3.60, I could buy a card for 10 entries for $33. I think that was a fair deal - company was paid upfront at least for a month and got a faithful client. Now, cards for 10 swims are still available, but with no discount at all. I do not see any sense in it.

I see my world shrinking. As a member of charity organisation, I visit frequently people pushed out on the margins of the society. Less and less space for less efficient people.

Fortunately we live in a prosperous country with solid safety nets, with network of charity organisations, with generous sponsors. So people receive help and support they need. Sometimes I think - maybe they would have not needed so much help if there was some space for them in the mainstream of the society.

Anyway, I do not need so much swimming, I can extend my bike rides beyond Ashburton swimming pool. Bike paths are still for free.