Fundraising Walk At DelVal To Support Crisis Hotline For Farmers

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A Delaware Valley University sorority is encouraging the public to step forward this weekend to support the nation's farmers and their mental health.

The Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority, will be holding a "Walk In His Boots" fundraiser on Saturday at the football field.

Participants will collect pledges and then walk laps around the field beginning at 9 a.m.

"We are looking for people to come out and support the people who help feed us," said Ellie Emerick, a junior from Bedford County who grew up on a farm and is studying animal science with a specialization in livestock science.

The proceeds, she said, will support efforts to reduce farmer suicide, a rising issue in the one percent of the population that feeds 100 percent of the world.

The money raised at the event will support a suicide and crisis hotline established to support farmers in times of need. The hotline is operated by AgriSafe, a nonprofit that works to reduce health disparities in the agricultural community.

"Unfortunately farmer suicide is on the rise. It's three times more in farmers than in the regular
population" said Emerick. "It could be from the stress of running your own business or the fact that a lot of smaller, hometown farms are closing due to the increased competition from bigger corporations.

"Anytime I think about that I think about my Pap and how he is trying to help by providing beef for our county in a setting that isn't a factory farm," said Emerick.

"A lot of farmers, they are struggling," she said. "We want to help them out so we can continue to have fresh meat and vegetables to eat along with other products that farm animals can help us with," said Emerick.

The walk begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the football field on the campus of Delaware Valley University. The community is invited to donate and walk themselves or pledge for a sister to walk. The cost is $10 per mile for as many miles as you'd like to walk.

For information or to participate, contact Ellie at 814-660-2203 or email ellieemerick1236@gmail.com.