'Freezing for a Reason': to help homeless veterans

Fortunately for those participating in the Freezing for a Reason event outside American Legion Trier-Puddy Post 75 in Fond du Lac, Wis., the weather on the evening of Feb. 10 wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

But the 20-degree weather was a reminder of just how difficult it can be for homeless veterans who must sleep outside on a nightly basis.

Freezing for a Reason “was carried out with the purpose of raising awareness of the veterans’ homelessness crisis as well as raising funds to support homeless and at-risk veterans in our community,” said Shawn McCrary, commander of SAL Squadron 75 and one of the event organizers.

Over 20 Legionnaires, Sons and Auxiliary members, as well as members of other veterans groups, spent the night of Feb. 10 in cardboard boxes and tents. That was part of a weekend of events aimed at raising awareness and donations to the cause.

Also on Saturday night, the post served a spaghetti dinner before the Fond du Lac Bears amateur hockey game, where the post’s honor guard presented the colors. That was followed Sunday morning by a pancake breakfast.

In addition to those braving the cold Saturday night, hundreds attended the weekend activities. Freezing for a Reason raised nearly $11,000 to help homeless veterans; McCrary said more pledges were on the way.

Before the event, Mark Nesbitt, an Army veteran and one of the organizers, told Spectrum News this would be a way to help the homeless veterans in Wisconsin.

“We can’t pay everything, but at least we can give them help that they need,” Nesbitt said.