Donors and Veterans walk 2020 fundraiser online

The 2020 VetWalk has been redesigned this year to bring in donations from Nov. 7 through Dec. 7 in a virtual format rather than an in-person walk to raise funds.

The fundraiser, now in its 19th year, usually amasses do­nations from local veteran orga­nizations with all dollars raised directed entirely toward the an­nual Christmas dinner held at the Chula Vista California Vet­eran home.

2020 VetWalk chairman Hank Schanstra said the annu­al event is still being planned so all funds go toward the yearly dinner, but will rely solely on virtual support and donations this year in an effort to encour­age social distancing and re­duce the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to gathering do­nations, organizers are also soliciting photos and videos thanking the 300 senior veter­ans who live at the home for their service while wishing them a happy holiday season.

“This year, we’re encouraging VFW posts, families and busi­nesses to stay safe and organize their own version of the event for Nov. 7 then submit photos and videos we can assemble and share with residents at the Vet­erans Home,” Schanstra said.

Residents will be able to safe­ly watch the Christmas video of messages and well wishes there at the facility in lieu of having anyone come in person to the Veterans Home this holi­day season.

Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Global War on Terrorism collectively have an average age of 80, and in addition to gathering finan­cial donations for the annual Christmas dinner, Schanstra said the photo and video mes­sages are also important to gather as the veteran popula­tion ages.

“We wish to sincerely say ‘thank you!’ and always re­member our veterans’ history of selflessness, including this unusual year”, Schanstra said, and referenced a quote from President Theodore Roosevelt: “Do what you can with what you have where you are.”

While some groups are strict­ly making financial contribu­tions online this year without the usual accompanying walk, other organizations have found ways to modify the event to re­flect social distancing accom­modations.

“We’re encouraging people who decide to walk on Nov. 7 to wear military or veteran shirts, make the donation online, then film a Christmas message to send in and it will all be put together into one video for the home. We can’t be in the home this year but we still want peo­ple to participate so residents can see the video and know we’d be there if we could,” District 1 VFW Commander Paula Jan­sen said.

Schanstra said they will also feature the video messages on the Veterans Walk website so the link can be shared with any veterans who might benefit from the messages of gratitude and good wishes in this socially dis­tanced year.

“You know, usually, when I go to the home, I wear my VFW cover and the residents are so happy to see visitors— it is always so rewarding and humbling. This year is hard on everyone but it has to be so hard on them. I hope they know we’d be there if we could,” Jansen said.

Tax-deductible donations can be made online at www.vfwpost2111.org through Dec. 7.

Photos and videos can be submitted to vfw­post2111@gmail.com through Dec. 7 as well.

Questions on the fundraiser can be directed to Schanstra at hendrik.schanstra@calvet.ca.gov or by phone at (916) 221-2709.

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