Easterseals Veterans Rally Point Hosts Virtual “5k Your Way” Race Net Proceeds to Benefit Veterans Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic
WINDSOR, CT, September 30, 2020 — Registration is open for Easterseals Veterans Rally Point’s 3rd Annual United We Run & Ruck 5k, an annual race that benefits CT Veterans. Given Covid-19 state guidelines, the race has been re-imagined as a Virtual 5k “Your Way” for 2020. This year’s virtual event allows the participant to choose the activity and timing within the Oct. 15-Oct 31 virtual race window. “A key purpose of this event is to benefit Veterans who have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and we hope that our new Virtual platform inspires people to participate in any way they can” said retired U.S Army Brigadier General Ron Welch, VP of Military Services.
Veteran Impact
Many local Veterans face difficult challenges as they are forced to integrate pandemic-related concerns into their already-challenging set of circumstances, thus making the need for supportive services much more dire. “We are currently faced with a challenge where recently discharged Veterans are having difficulty finding work in their post-military civilian life. The difficulty of this civilian transition, combined with other economic challenges has created a massive strain on the Veteran community,” said Josh Salazar, Easterseals Veterans Rally Point Senior Director of Military Services. “With this virtual 5k, we aim to raise funds that support the many struggling Veterans throughout Connecticut. With participant support, we can ensure the continuation of our mission and help our Vets achieve positive outcomes in their lives”. Easterseals’ Veteran Service Staff continues their mission of helping Veterans place their lives on an upward trajectory, and this event will raise much-needed funds given that COVID-related challenges have resulted in the cancellation of previous fundraising events.
How to Participate
A virtual 5k provides donors and partners with a way to support Connecticut’s struggling Veteran community with any form of physical activity they wish. “While our event location has traditionally accommodated rucking and running participants, our virtual “5k your Way” platform gives participants the freedom to choose their location and activity. We encourage participants to walk, run, hike, and even bike their 5k!” said Wendy Archer, VP of Marketing & Philanthropy. Event participants are provided with a downloadable bib, an event t-shirt, and their own fundraising platform to encourage friends and family to support our Connecticut Veterans. To register or donate for this event, please visit www.veteransrallypoint.com/runruck