SPCE Rotary supporting VA2K Walk and Roll Event
VETERANS AFFAIRS “VA2K” WALK MAY 15
TO ASSIST MAINE’S HOMELESS VETERANS;
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS TO PARTNER IN EFFORT
Cape Elizabeth & South Portland, ME— VA Maine Healthcare Systems’ Portland Clinic is sponsoring a “VA2K” walk and roll on Wednesday, May 15, in Portland to raise awareness to the issues and needs of Maine's homeless veterans.
The two-kilometer walk and roll will benefit homeless Maine veterans and promote health and wellness. The VA2K will begin at 11:00 a.m. at 144 Fore Street in Portland (near the Ocean Terminal) at the VA facility there. Parking will be available.
The two-kilometer walk will also be conducted in five other VA locations throughout Maine on May 15. The walk/roll event can be done during a lunch hour!
The South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club will continue its partnership with VA by participating in fund raising for the VA2K, along with the Portland Rotary Club, volunteering the day of the event, providing materials (e.g. souvenirs for the walkers), donating new household items needed by veterans and some Rotarians will also do the walk.
Non-Rotarians are also asked to help by donating NEW household items. Everything from coffee makers, to bedding, to kitchenware, to towels and blankets is appreciated, along with gift cards (gas, phone, etc.) that a veteran could use. For details or more information, contact Lee Thompson at the Portland VA at 771-3520 or donna-lee.thompson@va.gov.
At any given time, there are more than 100 homeless veterans in Maine suffering from lack of a place to live and other basic necessities. In 2011, emergency shelter was provided to 535 homeless Maine veterans across the state.
The Rotary Club of South Portland/Cape Elizabeth, Maine, has been providing beds, travel needs for Veterans (to get to medical care, job interviews, etc.), some dental care and now is assisting with the VA2K. Club president Bob Flynn says, “We want to help address this serious problem for the patriotic men and women of Maine who served our country.”
Additional contacts are Rotary president Bob Flynn at email robertflynn13@gmail.com or VA Transitional Housing Liaison, Susan Whittington, at 623-8411, ext. 4344 or email Susan.Whittington@va.gov.
Information is available from the files below.