MARION, Ill. (HEARTLAND NEWS) - The Marion VA turned wellness into a community celebration at the 16th annual VA2K and Health Fair. The event focused on health, wellness and supporting homeless and struggling veterans through donations, resources and community connection.
The Marion VA mixed patriotic spirit, wellness and community support during its annual VA2K walk and health fair. The event is about much more than just a walk, it’s all about coming together and helping veterans who may be struggling or experiencing homelessness while also focusing on health.
“We all are veterans and we all need to help one way or the other, and this way we are helping some of the homeless veterans,” VA2K Participant William Hall said.
For Hall, this was his third year participating in the VA2K. He said it not only gave him a chance to give back but also helped him continue his own health journey by building endurance and strength.
Marion VA Whole Health Coordinator Sieger Giroux said the event focused on more than just physical wellness. “It’s relational, it’s existential health is just the medium through which we live life,” Giroux said. “So if we can support our veterans that may be homeless or are just struggling, but we can also encourage activity.”
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One of the biggest parts of the event was the “Stuff the Bus” donation drive, where people dropped off food, clothing and other items people might need.
“Very significant for us,” Murdoch said. “It plugs in a lot of missing pieces and a lot of missing products that we don’t have. We had it about halfway full last year. This year we’re hoping to get it all the way forward.”
Murdoch says the items go back to veterans within the area.
“We deal with about 250 veterans a month that are receiving products of some sort of food needs, hygiene items, those types of things through our pantries,” said Chandra Murdoch with the VA.
Organizers say they raised between four to five thousand dollars at the event each year.
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