Birmingham VA’s 12th Annual VA2k to support homeless Veterans, promote wellness
After modifying last year’s activities due to COVID-19 protocols, members of the Birmingham VA Health Care System will participate in the 12th Annual VA2K Walk & Roll in-person, May 18, 2022, 10 a.m., at the Birmingham VA Clinic, 2415 7th Avenue.
The two-kilometer walk will start and end at the clinic parking garage, with Birmingham VA staff and Veterans walking down 25th Street and 6th Avenue near downtown Birmingham.
This national event encourages people to live active lifestyles, while supporting homeless Veterans through donations of food and clothing items.
“This fun and worthwhile event serves a number of purposes,” said Lille Mclemore, event coordinator. “Not only does it promote our Whole Health Program by inspiring Veterans and staff to get active and reduce preventable illnesses, but it offers participants an opportunity to help homeless Veterans by donating needed items such as bus passes, personal care items and under garments.”
Anyone interested in donating items may bring them to the Birmingham VA Clinic and drop them off during event registration/check-in from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Since its start in 2011, the annual VA2K event has nationally generated donated goods valued at more than $2.7 million to help homeless Veterans. Donations are welcomed and encouraged, but not required to participate.
“By offering participants a way to help homeless Veterans while also promoting whole health and moving the body, the VA2K Walk & Roll is a positive event for both the community and the Birmingham VA,” said Dr. Oladipo Kukoyi, BVAHCS Executive Director.
More than just a walk
Though the 2K walk is the highlight of the event, it isn’t the only activity offered.
“There are plenty of other activities to participate in other than the walk,” said Mclemore. “We will have jump rope, corn toss, hula hooping, a live D.J., line dancing, and a number of food vendor’s on-site.”
The 2022 VA2K will be the fifth one for Janine Conway, BVAHCS Human Resources assistant.
“I attended the past VA2K walks because of their contributions to the Veteran’s homelessness campaign,” she said. “I loved the community comradery so much, I joined the planning committee.”
I am looking forward to the upcoming VA2K walk, she added. We will engage with our Veterans, donate supplies, and encourage other employees to do likewise. Most of all, we will enjoy happy, therapeutic times amongst fellow co-workers.
Mclemore has coordinated all twelve Birmingham VA2K’s to date and acknowledges its growth in participation over the years.
“Each year we add something special to the event,” she said. “Before the COVID pandemic, our walk participation reached over 200 people, which included Veterans, Birmingham VA staff, City of Birmingham officials and various community leaders. Participants really enjoy the different activities of the day.”
In 2020, Birmingham VA placed first nationally for the VA2K Most Virtual Creativity Award. Instead of a community walk, participants virtually performed wellness exercises.
Find out more about the Birmingham VA2K by contacting Lillie.Mclemore@va.gov.
The Birmingham VA also accepts donations online at https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/. Anyone wishing to donate online should include the VA Homeless Program as the purpose.