Hi folks, Lori here, with another volunteer/do-good opportunity for families of all ages!
We’ve all seen the increase in alcohol-related crashes around the Valley. It is said that on average, 2 out of every 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime..that’s HUGE. And it affects everyone, young and old alike. If you’re like me, you want to reach out to the families involved and just give them a giant hug…but that’s not possible. Or is it?
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) began 35 years ago, when Candy Lightner’s daughter, Cari, was killed by a repeat drunk driving offender. Since then, MADD has had both a local and national impact on drunk driving laws which have cut deaths from alcohol-related crashes by nearly 50%. In addition to lobbying for stricter laws, and educating communities on safe driving practices, MADD supports victims, survivors and their families with grief counseling, help with the court process, and more.
One of the ways they do this is by holding an event each year called Walk Like MADD. It is a time for those impacted by drunk driving to channel their grief into hope and healing by creating a movement for change in their community. It provides victims/survivors the chance to do something to eliminate drunk driving by recruiting more grassroots advocates and raising mission-critical funds, giving purpose to a purposeless act. It also provides a community the chance to surround and support those hurting by taking action to prevent others from suffering because of drunk driving.
That last part is where YOU come in! Even if you don’t have a personal connection to this cause, you can be a part of the support system for those who have been affected. Walk Like MADD will be held on October 17, at the Phoenix Zoo. Register at www.walklikemadd.org/Phoenix. You can start your own team, join a team, join MY team (MADD Moms), or support the cause with a donation. If you can’t make it, you can even register as a Virtual Walker. The first person to register their child using the code NPHXMOMSBLOG will receive a free youth (ages 5-17) registration!
Prizes are awarded to top fundraising individuals and teams, so strike up that friendly rivalry between neighboring PTOs, church groups, scouting troops, or youth sports leagues and challenge them to Walk Like MADD!
Volunteers are also needed, and community service hours are available for both volunteers and walkers (I’m talking to YOU, moms of middle school and high school students!). What a great way to spend a morning together, support a great organization, and every registered walker gets free general admission to the Phoenix Zoo for the rest of the day!
Come join us, and bring the kids! We walk on behalf of those who no longer can, and alongside those who are learning to walk again. It means so much to the victims and their families to know their community is behind them in the effort to end this 100% preventable crime that causes such devastation.
I will be there to support this wonderful cause!