VA 2K Walk and Roll

VA facilities across the nation are once again holding the VA2K Walk and Roll on Wednesday, May 15th which is also National Employee Health and Fitness Day. This event is to raise awareness and educate the community to the needs of homeless Veterans and to help employees and others to recognize the importance of exercise and nutrition and help them live healthier lives.

Join us at the Porltand CBOC on Wednesday, May 15 from 11am to 1pm.

Last year's VA Maine Health Care Systems VA2K event was hugely successful. During the 2012 event, our community partners and staff received more in donations to this cause than any VA hospital in the nation. Approximately $20,000 worth of new items, cash and gift cards were given to support homeless Veterans here in Maine.

This year we once again have the support of the Homeless Veterans Networking Group, Veteran Service Organizations, community agencies and other committed partners.

Data: During the 2012 "Point in Time Survey," (one day count of all homeless persons in Maine), 1050 individuals were identified. Of the 1050, 11.9% or 125 of the homeless were Veterans. In 2011, 535 persons in Maine's homeless shelters identified themselves as Veterans. This does not include many "invisible" homeless Veterans who refuse to go to the shelters, instead living outdoors in their vehicles or "couch surfing."

VA2K is designed for individuals at all levels of fitness. VA2K is an easy distance that allows most participants to complete it during a 30-minute lunch break. Employees and volunteers participating in the event are asked to bring an item for a homeless Veteran from a list based on local needs. Non-employees and Veterans are encouraged to participate in this event but are not required to bring in an item unless they choose to.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer please contact Lee at 771-3520 or Rita at 780-3584.