In the wake of two devastating hurricanes that have ravaged Florida, the Wellington Rotary Club's annual Ruck March and Food Drive has taken on a renewed sense of urgency. As the community works to rebuild and recover, the club's efforts to stock local food pantries have become a critical lifeline for those in need.

Rallying the Community to Provide Relief

The Wellington Rotary Club's Ruck March and Food Drive is a unique event that combines physical challenge with community service. Participants will race or walk a 5K or 2K course, carrying backpacks filled with non-perishable food items. Once they cross the finish line, the collected donations will be distributed to the village's annual holiday food drive, ensuring that those impacted by the recent natural disasters have access to essential supplies.

Addressing the Increased Demand

According to retired U.S. Army Col. George Kinoshita, a Rotarian who spearheaded the ruck event, the food drive has already received a significant number of commitments. "The food drive is going great," he remarked, but the need is greater than ever before. Rotarian Marc Strich, who serves as co-chair with Kinoshita, emphasized the importance of rebuilding local food pantries in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which have "sapped" their resources.

Providing Flexibility and Convenience

For those who may not be interested in the ruck march, the event offers a convenient drive-by drop-off option at Village Park on Pierson Road. This allows community members to contribute non-perishable items throughout the day, ensuring that the food drive can reach its full potential.

Celebrating Community and Patriotism

The Ruck March and Food Drive is more than just a charitable event; it's a celebration of community and patriotism. In addition to the physical challenge and food collection, the day will feature live music, hydration stations, and a special tribute to veterans and active-duty service members. A local American Legion post has even committed to sending three four-person ruck teams to participate.

Fostering Friendly Competition

The event also includes an element of friendly competition, with individual and team categories based on gender and age. Participants will carry backpacks weighing between 8 and 15 pounds, depending on their category, adding to the challenge and excitement of the race. Trophies will be awarded to the winners, adding an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie.

Rallying the Community's Support

While the race signups have not yet reached the desired volume, the organizers remain optimistic. Strich noted that race experts have indicated that the majority of signups typically come in during the final 10 days, and he is confident that the community will rally to support this important cause.Regardless of the event's financial outcome, the Wellington Rotary Club's primary focus is on serving the community. "This is far and above Rotary," Strich emphasized. "This is to help the community." With the support of local businesses, such as Mission BBQ and the Village Golf Club, who have donated raffle items, the club is determined to make a meaningful impact on those in need.As the people of Florida continue to recover from the recent hurricanes, the Wellington Rotary Club's Ruck March and Food Drive stands as a shining example of how a community can come together to provide relief and support. Through this unique event, the club is not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering a spirit of resilience and togetherness that will be crucial in the months and years to come.