You’re invited to embrace the Ruck life. It’s a physical challenge and a fundraiser for 23rd Veteran. Their mission is to provide happier, healthier lives for veterans living with trauma.

The non-profit Executive Director Mike Waldron explained what a ruck is to The Lift, “We take a backpack. We fill it with food and clothes. We take it to Mont Du Lac on Saturday. We’re gonna carry it up to 10 miles- anywhere from 2 – 10 miles. And we’re going to donate it to the locals in need.”

The events also offers a fair-style environment. Vendors will sell food and drinks. A D.J. will be providing the tunes. You’re encouraged to bring friends, family, and pets.

As of Friday, they’ve raised $67,000 of their $75,000 goal. The money will fund an immersive 14-week veteran recondition program for the people of Duluth, Minneapolis, and the Iron Range.

Waldron, a veterans himself, explained the program’s benefits, “After war, (veterans) come back with PTSD, insomnia, TBI… You know, it gets them out of their shell. It gets them connecting with other people.”