BCAT News

Each day, 20-22 U.S. Military veterans commit suicide. The Skate for the 22 Foundation provides veterans an outlet while bringing public awareness to the issue through hockey. 

The Skate for the 22 was formed to reduce the tragically high number of veteran suicides by providing no cost skills development sessions and get veterans back into a supportive, team environment. 

Sonia Rollins & Associates and DaMore Law invite everyone for a night of Cinco De Mayo fun at the Archer Hotel in Burlington to raise money in support of the Skate for the 22 Foundation.

“We first heard about Skate for the 22 Foundation a few years back when they joined the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Rollins. “The BACC learned about the great work they do for the men and women who served our country,” Rollins continued. “The statistic of 22 veterans taking their life every day is one that none of us should take lightly. The Foundation is working hard to bring veterans back into a team environment and show them that we see them and they matter.”

Nicole Dupuis, Director of Business Management at DaMore Law explained that they wanted the Skate for the 22 fundraiser to be an annual event, but then COVID.

“We actually had our first event at Tony C’s right before COVID hit, so we were lucky that we got to do it,” said Dupuis. “We’ve reached out to Chris Hanafin, Burlington’s Veteran Service Director and Steve Dupuis the Commander over at the American Legion. So we’re trying to get more veterans involved since the first one was such a success. We really want to make it even better so we really want to get the veterans involved in it.”

Rollins expressed the BACC’s pride in being able to help Skate for the 22 Foundation.

“It is an honor to be able to do what we can to support such a mission. We hope that our Cinco de Mayo event will not only raise funds for the group but also spread awareness,” Rollins said.  

Please join Skate for the 22 Foundation on May 5th, at the Archer Hotel in Burlington and visit the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce website for more.