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AVA: America's Walking Club
The American Volkssport Association, doing business as AVA: America's Walking Club, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing health, wellness, and educational activities on preventative health care for adults and people of all ages and abilities. Our goal is to help others learn how to invest in their own health and wellness so they can live longer healthier lives!
We accomplish this through our network of volunteer driven clubs who organize non-competitive sporting activities like walking, biking and swimming. Participants set their own pace while enjoying our unique self-guided and group walks, hikes, and other activities. Walk the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, the Yosemite National Park in California, or our very own World Heritage Site, San Antonio Missions walk. Come join our non-competitive, non-judgmental activities and meet new friends and find a walk buddy!
With over 90% of our participants being over the age of 55, we are committed to keeping this group active. By doing so, we improve their physical, mental, and social health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publication (2023), the Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm about the devastating Impact of the Epidemic on Loneliness and isolation in The United States. This article states, social isolation is a big factor in the following areas: “29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults, and 60% increase of premature death". After the Covid pandemic, many people suffered from social isolation, especially older adults who were no longer in the workforce and did not have family members close by to maintain in-person socialization. Our organization provides both physical and mental coping mechanisms through our club-hosted walks, available for those navigating the challenges of losing a loved one or dealing with feelings of isolation. Many participants discover comfort in the friendships they cultivate, forming bonds that can endure a lifetime. Our walks serve not just as a form of exercise; they create a supportive community.
Imagine a mother who longs to rediscover her sense of self after losing her husband and watching her two children head off to college. She feels alone and isolated, and her health is declining. With your support, we can change her story. Your donation will provide her with a life-changing opportunity to walk and connect with others who have shared similar experiences. Together, we can foster social interaction and alleviate the loneliness that often accompanies grief, all while improving our physical and mental well-being through walking. Will you take this step with us and make a difference in her life? Donate to the Big Give and be the change she needs. Your contribution will not only transform her life and the lives of others but will also help fund the development of our groundbreaking mobile walking app that will redefine walking and friendships.