Haddonfield residents are encouraged to get their sneakers on and join Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 by stepping up for a good cause.
Haddonfield residents are encouraged to get their sneakers on and join Haddonfield American Legion Post 38 by stepping up for a good cause.
Post 38 is hosting the fourth annual Veterans Haven 5K run and 1-mile walk on Sunday, May 20, at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken to raise money for the Veterans Haven, a transitional facility in Winslow Township for homeless vets.
“How well we do is dependent on how many people show up,’’ Race Director Jon Batchelor explained.
Four years ago, Batchelor, a retired Naval captain, made a suggestion to the legion to fundraise for Veterans Haven to help veterans have a more enjoyable stay recreationally. Batchelor combined his love of participating in triathlons and other various athletic events into a way to give back.
“The American Legion at that time wasn’t making a lot of money, Batchelor said. “We thought this would be a good idea for a fundraiser for the vets.”
Not only did the idea turn out to be successful, but Batchelor believes the legion could not have picked a better cause. Housing homeless veterans for up to two years, Veterans Haven prepares vets to enter into the world with skills that will help them acclimate back into society and get stable jobs.
In each room, veterans residing at Veterans Haven have a bed, desk and other simple amenities to get through the day, but Batchelor hopes that enough proceeds will be raised to make their experience more comfortable. Before entering the facility, the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs drug screens every vet staying to ensure the homeless veterans coming to the facility there for the right reasons.
According to Batchelor, the annual run has contributed to a variety of recreational additions. Two years ago, proceeds helped build a basketball court, and last year, funded a trip to Washington, D.C.
This year, the goal is to raise $20,000, and with the help of the community, Batchelor hopes it can happen. With every passing year, more participants sign up to take part. Some $800 was raised in the legion’s first race, jumping to $8,000 the second and $10,000 last year, Batchelor said.
Batchelor’s wife, Mae, also helps with the administrative tasks in organizing the walk and delivering pretzels to the event every year.
“It’s very heartwarming to see these guys get extra things to do,’’ Mae said. “It’s a big undertaking … there is a lot involved in preparing for this.’’
Encouraging residents to step up this summer, Mae hopes that by getting the word out more people sign up.
The race or walk begins at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is until May 11 and is $25 per runner or walker. The regular registration fee until the day of the race is $30 per runner or walker. Online registration is available until May 16 at http://camdencounty.com/.
