Hope Through Motion - A New Campaign to Stand With Veterans

At Veteran Recreation Ohio, we believe in the power of recreation—not just as a pastime, but as a lifeline. Today we’re launching a new campaign built around one urgent truth: each day, nearly 22 veterans die by suicide. While the exact figure may vary, this statistic represents a call to action for us all.

Why recreation matters

Recreation, in all its forms—whether a sports league, creative arts class, group fitness session, hiking club, or shared social event—does far more than fill time. It rebuilds connection, fuels purpose, supports mental health, and counters isolation. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, recreation therapy “helps prevent suicide by reducing stress, connecting veterans with other veterans and with resources in the community” and “provides a physically and emotionally safe environment … to work on mind and body”. (Veterans Affairs) In a study of “therapeutic recreation” and its effect on suicidality, researchers noted that leisure-based activity interventions are increasingly recognized as part of holistic suicide prevention. (Taylor & Francis Online)

The scale of the crisis

Veterans face elevated risk. Research from the RAND Corporation underscores that while many programs exist, greater focus on social connection, recreation, and community supports is still needed. (RAND Corporation+1) When veterans engage in structured therapeutic recreation and community-oriented activity, we see measurable benefit in mental health outcomes—and by extension we believe this contributes to suicide risk reduction.

Our campaign: “22 a Day” Subscription Drive

We’re inviting you to become an ongoing partner in change. With options to give $22 one-time, $22 per month, or $22 per year, you align your gift with the symbol of urgency—and the committed hope of transformation. We encourage you to choose the monthly or yearly giving option, because sustained support means we can plan ahead, grow grants, and deepen impact. Of course, at checkout you may select any amount you feel comfortable with—every dollar matters, every gift helps.

What your gift supports

Your subscription enables us to:

• Fund fellow nonprofits and veteran-serving organizations across Ohio delivering recreation-based programming focused on mental health, social connection, and community reintegration.

• Support events and activities that bring veterans together—breaking isolation, strengthening bonds, and offering new purpose.

• Invest in innovative recreation models (including creative arts, movement, community outings, skill-building) that research is showing can reduce risk factors associated with veteran suicide.

• Build resilience-rich communities where veterans feel supported, visible, valuable—and connected.

  
  

Why this is one of the best ways to donate

• Consistency equals impact: Monthly and annual subscriptions create reliable funding streams, letting us invest with confidence and expand program reach.

• Symbolic alignment: The number 22 (and our higher commitment) reminds us of the urgency of the issue—and your gift becomes both a practical and symbolic act of solidarity.

• Choice and flexibility: While we highlight the $22 tiers, you have full choice in amount—so you give what you can.

• Amplified effect: With community support coming in month after month, we create a multiplier effect—programs grow, more veterans engage, more lives are changed.

  
  

How you can help

• Subscribe to one of the recommended levels today—$22/month or $22/year—and feel proud you’re standing with veterans every day.

• Share this campaign with your network so others can join the movement.

• Encourage community partners, workplaces, clubs, or groups to support or match subscriptions.

  
  

Closing thought

Recreation has the power to restore what trauma, transition, and isolation can take away: connection, purpose, joy, and community. With your subscription, you’re not just donating—you’re becoming part of a system of support that matters. Every day we can stand with them. Together, we can help change “22 a day” into a number we no longer accept.

Will you join us?