Freeze for Food

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press release:  Mark your calendars for the 42nd Annual Freeze for Food! Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Ready to do something proactive about immigration due to conflict or climate change? Register for the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison Freeze for Food 5K/10K to raise funds to support food security programs of Madison's Open Doors for Refugees, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the resettlement of refugees in the Madison area and welcoming them into the community.

Both races (5K and 10K) start and end at the Vilas Park Shelter, 1602 Vilas Park Dr., Madison, WI 53715

5K Race Start time: 12 p.m. CST sharp

10K Race Start time: 1 p.m. CST sharp

The 5K race is held in the scenic Vilas Park roads and sidewalks and other nearby roads at the northern part of Lake Wingra. The 10K race circles Lake Wingra, passing through the Arboretum.

The Afghan refugees who recently fled their country for the safety of the U.S. have been resettled in towns and cities across the country. As of spring 2022, more than 37 individuals have arrived in Madison with more to follow. They joined the ranks of many other refugees here, mostly coming from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries over the last few years, or from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan over the several years before that. New needs may come from Ukraine, as millions flee their war-torn country. For all, when they get to Madison, one leg of their difficult journey ends, but another just begins. They need to make a living while they learn a new language and new customs. They miss families they left and worry about their ongoing dangers. In this pandemic period, as new arrivals, many have low-paying jobs as front line workers. Some have lost jobs, and some entire families have contracted COVID-19. They often struggle to buy food and pay rent and other bills.

Your registration fee and donations can help over 100 families feel more welcome and supported in a new city. Be part of Madison's safety net while you run or walk and enjoy Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors. All proceeds from Freeze for Food will be used for food security and relief efforts for incoming refugees. Our race is never canceled due to weather or pandemic, as we pivot again to respond to your support for this popular fundraiser! For the 42nd year we will be raising funds for food security projects! Participants can choose to run/walk in person on March 4th at Vilas Park along Lake Wingra or choose the virtual option and run/walk at their preferred location anywhere in the world. And of course, we accept donations for pass-through to Open Doors for Refugees.