There are a variety of creative and effective ways to raise funds for veterans groups, and exciting new methods and events are popping up all the time. These worthy causes have been helpful at both local and national levels, and it's worth periodically taking time to examine the programs that have done well getting much-needed money into solutions that will materially better the lives of service members once they return home.
One of the primary reasons to celebrate these achievements is that they may prove highly inspirational for the next round of projects. It's not too hard to imagine a world where conditions for veterans are markedly better, and the efforts of a few patriotic individuals and committed corporate leaders are showing the way.
Supermarket chain gives millions
On the high end of the donation scale, the parent company behind several different supermarket marquees recently conducted a massive funding drive. Southeastern Grocers is set to donate more than $2 million to Hope for the Warriors, according to the Montgomery Advertiser, a USA Today subsidiary covering Alabama. The news provider explained that Southeastern is the company behind Winn-Dixie BI-LO and Harveys. The total accounts for all profits from sales made on July 4, as well as additional donations.
The chosen organization, Hope for the Warriors, is focused on helping wounded servicemembers, as well as looking out for their families. The Montgomery Advertiser explained that it is less well known than some other nonprofit groups, but stands to gain in prestige as a result of the large new donation. In fact, expanding the visibility of the program was one of the main goals behind picking this recipient for Southeastern's fundraising, according to the corporation's CEO, Ian McLeod.
The promotional period went beyond raising money, and also included personal expressions by customers, the news provider reported. These took the form of posts both online and in person, with stores creating "Walls of Honor" adorned with messages from consumers.
Beyond Southeastern Grocers and the company's customers, other businesses got in on the fundraising. The Montgomery Advertiser noted that Pepsi, Tyson, Nestle Waters and more made donations to Hope for the Warriors. The organization has already started to see benefits beyond the one-time gift, too. McLeod told the news provider that inquiries to the charity are now up 40 percent.
Road race raises funds
While the above example shows how a massive corporation can help fund veterans programs, smaller events can be successful, too. The Chicago Tribune recently reported that this year's running of the Burr Ridge Run For Veterans drew 197 participants and raised money that went to Volunteers of America – Illinois. The organization runs two facilities that house veterans and family members, with a new building set to join the ranks soon.
The news provider explained that the Volunteers of America locations currently operating house 80 and 73 veterans, with the second also serving as a home for dependents. The organization's director of external affairs and resource development, Liliana Scales, stated that veterans can stay indefinitely for 30 percent of their income, even if that amount is very little. Once individuals find more stability, they move on to permanent accommodation elsewhere.