About Us
The Kindness Walk started as a way to raise money for a little girl, Sophie, who needed a heart transplant. Robert Smith, a blind man, and Rob Hartley, a 65 year old veteran, walked from Long Beach, CA to Las Vegas, NV and raised enough money to help Sophie and multiple other children.
Today, the Kindness Walk is led by Rob Hartley, who is now 70 years old and is walking 10 million steps in 9 months to raise money to help with housing for veterans as well as to help more children with life threatening challenges. Our main focus now is Karsyn, a young man with Lyme Disease who needs funding for treatment. Rob will be walking all across the US so let us know if you'd like him to come to a town near you! He will be promoting kindness, literacy, and giving back to all the communities he visits. You can get involved by following us on social media, sharing our cause with your friends and family, or donating directly to The Kindness Walk by clicking here.
FAQ
What is the fundraiser?
Rob is walking 10 million steps in 9 months to raise money for veterans, kids with life threatening challenges, and community projects across the country.
Who is Rob?
How can I help?
Where does the money go?
How long is the walk?
You can help by donating, spreading the word about The Kindness Walk, and by being kind to everyone you meet.
The walk is 10 million steps, almost 5,000 miles. Rob is walking between 40-50,000 steps, or about 20 miles, a day. He will be visiting 25 states across the US and ending in Washington D.C. on July 4, 2026.
Rob Hartley is a 70 year old veteran who has dedicated his life to giving back. He is a children's book author, professional ventriloquist, and so much more!
The money goes to, Tunnels to Towers, an organization that helps veterans get housing. It also goes directly to Karsyn and his family for his Lyme Disease treatment. Along the way, we will find more worthy causes and community projects to give to.