Marana, Arizona
For the past six years, Valor & Virtue Martial Arts Academy has championed the fight against hunger in Tucson through an annual food drive in collaboration with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. Students, families, friends, and community members contribute food items, transforming them into ‘Pledges.’ These pledges are then ‘worked off’ during a group workout, akin to a jog-a-thon, held on Saturday, December 2nd. Last year, the academy gathered over 600 pounds of food, with a dedicated group of participants, spanning different generations, spending four hours sweating and grinding to fulfill their pledges.
Scott Langlais-sensei emphasizes the food drive’s profound impact, stating, “The fight against hunger is not a sprint or marathon; it’s a never-ending battle.” The process involves parents taking their children to buy food for those in need, depositing it in collection boxes at the dojo, and completing a chart, creating lasting memories. As the boxes gradually fill, families participate in the Pledge-A-Thon, grinding away to understand the struggle faced by those dealing with hunger daily. This experience leaves an indelible impression, shaping the future heroes of the community. The dojo continues to collect food until the end of December, welcoming contributions to make a difference.
Details:
What: 7th Annual Pledge-A-Thon and Food Drive
Where: Valor & Virtue Martial Arts Academy, 6906 N. Camino Martin #140, Tucson, AZ 85741
When: Food Drive until 12/22/2023, Pledge-A-Thon Workout 8 am – 12 pm, Saturday 12/2/2023
Cost: Free event; participation in the Pledge-A-Thon workout requires a food donation.
Food Items: Peanut Butter, Oatmeal, Cereal, Granola Bars, Canned Tomato Products, Canned Tuna & Chicken, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Rice & Pasta, Packaged Nuts & Seeds (please consider low sugar, low/no sodium, whole grain items). No glass containers, baby food, open packages, or damaged cans. For those wanting to contribute, reach out via social media or email at info@valorandvirtuemartialarts.com.
The fight against hunger requires collective community efforts, and every contribution counts.
-This is Marana Collaborative
