For the second year in a row, NAIFA-Vermont has supported a local charity, Empty Arms Vermont, through sponsorship at their charity 5k Run & Walk. Empty Arms Vermont supports those grieving pregnancy and infant loss by cultivating personal connections, creating a compassionate community, and fostering professional collaborations; providing grieving parents with valuable resources and validation.

Through the support of sponsors like NAIFA-Vermont and the 465 registrants, Empty Arms Vermont was able to raise over $46,000 to support their work at this year's event, marking their largest fundraising effort to date. While funding is important, the community generated through both running and walking together is just as vitally important to those in need of support. Through their 5k run/walk, live music, ice cream, and even a magician, the event was a fulfilling day for families and the greater Vermont community.

Some participants had this to say after this year's event:

"Being at the 5k Run/Walk event gave me an opportunity to acknowledge an element of the grieving process I did not realize was missing. Being together with my family to honor my niece was healing."

"Empty Arms gave me a community when I thought I was truly alone after losing our son during pregnancy. The support they provide is critical in times of pregnancy and infant loss - the yearly 5k is just a glimpse of how incredible this group is and the outpouring of love from others allows our babies memories to live on."

You can view a video of the news broadcast here.

https://www.mynbc5.com/article/empty-arms-vermont-5k-peer-support-pregnancy-loss/61461884

From Empty Arms VT: "We want to take this opportunity to thank NAIFA Vermont for being a sponsor at our 5k Run & Walk! The event was a huge success and it was made possible by sponsors like you."