Trailblazing Unleashed

The American Red Cross has done so much for my community in Western North Carolina post Hurricane Helene, that I wanted to give back! This month, I signed Trace and I up for the 30 miles for ARC campaign. This post is here to introduce you to the fundraiser, and help you discover how you can help one of my favorite nonprofits.

What is the American Red Cross?

The American Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization that was founded in the late 1800s. Since then, they have provided emergency assistance to people across the United States. The Red Cross also assists with disaster relief and disaster preparedness efforts country wide.

They offer all sorts of volunteer opportunities, through blood dives, health and safety trainings, military family support, and international humanitarian aid.

What is the 30 mile challenge?

This April, I have committed to walking 30 miles with Trace to fundraise for the ARC. As of today, we have walked a total of mile and a half, and I have personally donated to our GoFundMe! Our goal is to raise $250 by the end of the month.

Why Donate?

If you choose to donate to the American Red Cross, you will be contributing to an amazing organization that helps people world wide. However, I’m sure some of you want to know a bit more about what the ARC is going to do with your hard earned money.

91% of ARC funding goes towards program budgets. This is an amazing effecient number, as many organizations have to spend at least 75% of their wealth on programs to be rated highly by nonprofit watchdogs. This means that your money is almost guaranteed to go to those in need.

Donations to the ARC are also 100% tax deductible.

I’m tight on money, what else can I do?

Let’s say you’re like me and operating on a pretty strict budget right now. That’s okay! I totally understand. If you still want to take part in the effort to support the American Red Cross, there are many other ways to help!

You can sign up to be an ARC volunteer! These volunteers help operate shelters, organize relief efforts, and so much more. Sometimes, our time is more valuable than money.

You can also sign up for the 30 mile challenge like Trace and I to garner support for the ARC!

Why Trace and I Are Walking

I decided to sign up for this challenge as a way to give back to the American Red Cross after their contribution to hurricane relief efforts after hurricane Helene last fall. I grew up in Western North Carolina, and was away from home when the storm came through. I spent days wondering if my family survived the storm as cell signal failed us. Fortunately, my family made it through the storm and I was able to see them a few weeks later after roads were cleared.

While I was terrified for my family, the Red Cross was already moving in. During the storm, the Red Cross helped locals spearhead search and rescue efforts, housed over 350,000 people, provided over 3.5 million meals for those in need, and helped many people contact their friends and families. The ARC has continued to help my community rebuild after the storm, and provided financial assistance to many families that suffered losses after the storm.

While I wasn’t able to help my community until days after the storm happened, the Red Cross was mobilizing volunteers the day of the storm. I am so thankful for everything the ARC has done for Western North Carolina, and I hope that my little act of support can start to repay them.

If you’re interested in doing the same, here is the link to the GoFundMe I started for this challenge! I’ll be posting updates of how far Trace and I walk, in addition to the funds we hope to raise. If you’d rather support the ARC individually, here is the link to their website as well.

As always, trailblaze on!

–Kaya, Skully, and Trace