CHANDLER, Ariz. — About 425 Team Members and their loved ones congregated on the morning of Sept. 23 at Desert Breeze Park for the second annual system-wide U-Haul Active Day. This year’s U-Haul Active Day consisted of a 5K run/walk/bike for the Greater Phoenix area. U-Haul Companies in other regions of the U.S. and Canada also held events promoting exercise and healthy living.
One Step at a Time
From 8 to 9:30, Team Members enjoyed a morning of working out with friends and family. Many brought the whole family, including their furry four-legged companions. Not only did the Saturday event get participants moving, but it also gave Team Members the chance to bond outside of the office.
Every member of the family was invited to participate in U-Haul Active Day … even the dogs!
U-Haul Active Day is a vessel for raising morale as well as promoting physical activity. There were a number of prizes to raffle off, and also a variety of food and drinks were served. Upbeat music accompanied participants with the aid of a DJ on site.
Meanwhile, U-Haul volunteers cheered and ensured that everyone stayed hydrated.
“My favorite part of the event was seeing all the U-Haul Team Members and their families out on a Saturday morning together being active,” said Monique Wantland, U-Haul wellness marketing specialist. “It did not matter whether they were biking, running or walking; it was amazing to see everyone together and striving for the same mission and having fun.”
Giving Back
U-Haul is always looking to benefit the communities it serves. The Company strives to help people meet their basic human needs: food, clothing and shelter. U-Haul also honors veterans and supports many organizations that do the same.
For U-Haul Active Day, proceeds raised from the Greater Phoenix event benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation. Every year, the Pat Tillman Foundation chooses up to 60 veterans, service members and spouses to be Tillman Scholars. These scholars have been recognized because of the courage and strength they have displayed. The Tillman Scholars Program helps fund further education by granting scholarships to well-deserving men and women.
It is a foundation that Karen Gallagher, a 2016 Tillman Scholar, holds very close to her heart. Because of this program, she now has her PhD. Gallagher was on hand at U-Haul Active Day to accept the U-Haul donation of $4,219.97 on behalf of the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Karen Gallagher accepts the U-Haul donation on behalf of the Pat Tillman Foundation at the Greater Phoenix event
“The funds raised by U-Haul and the ongoing support (U-Haul) gives to Tillman Scholars directly impacts our educational opportunities,” Gallagher said. “So many companies say they support veterans, but to have a company like U-Haul go into the community, promote wellness, and raise money to support Tillman Scholars like me is a clear message that (U-Haul) believes in us.”
Active Lifestyle
U-Haul has made a conscious effort to help Team Members undertake and maintain a healthy lifestyle by launching the Healthier U campaign in 2016. The campaign focuses on mindset, nutrition, fitness and health.
“U-Haul Active Day shows employees how much the Company cares about them and their health,” said Malinda Sutter, a U-Haul paralegal and Active Day participant. “If you know your company cares about you, I think you are more likely to stay with that company.”
Here’s a look into how other U-Haul companies spent Active Day:
UHC of Pittsburgh
Marketing Company Office 809 participated in Active Day on Sept. 24 at a local county park outside of Pittsburgh. Those who attended received free 15-day trial certificates from LA Fitness and lunch. Everyone had the option of walking, running, playing basketball or tennis, biking, hiking, boating, golfing or swinging in the batting cages. Approximately 50 people participated.
UHC of Central Chicago
Thirty adults and children were in attendance for MCO 857’s Active Day at Lake Park. There was a trail to walk around the lake, volleyball and Frisbee. Hula hoops and bowling were also available throughout the day.
UHC of Western Oregon
Members of MCO 704 had an adventurous day at Wilsonville Family Fun Center for U-Haul Active Day. Rock climbing, batting cages, race carts, zip lines, laser tag and air rope courses were offered to all 80 people that attended.
Central New Jersey Team Members got their hike on and enjoyed the great outdoors for U-Haul Active Day
UHC of Central New Jersey
Active Day was held at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan for MCO 817. The morning began with 45 participants hiking a scenic two-mile trail and finished with yard games and a BBQ.
UHC of Missouri Northeast
Sixteen Team Members of MCO 875 met at the Howdershell Park in Hazelwood to complete a new obstacle course. After many fun attempts, Team Members and their families gathered together for a game of kickball.
UHC of South Puget Sound
MCO 702 had approximately 60 people take part in this year’s Active Day. There were plenty of activities to enjoy, including yard games and a large obstacle course. There was also a three-mile course to walk or run.
UHC of Raleigh
MCO 782 gathered at Durant Nature Preserve for Active Day. 16 participants enjoyed fishing, five miles worth of trails, playgrounds and a healthy lunch. Raffle tickets for prizes were sold at the event, which raised $309 to donate to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC.
UHC of North Orlando
Some 121 participants met at MCO 829’s shop in Daytona Beach. There was a 3.1 mile trail, a bounce house for the kids, an obstacle course and multiple games. Many also enjoyed massage chairs and face painting. Throughout the day, healthy snacks and breakfast items were also provided.
San Antonio Team Members enjoyed a full day of walking and bonding at the zoo for U-Haul Active Day
UHC of San Antonio East, San Antonio West and Shop 127
About 130 Team Members and their family members spent Active Day at the San Antonio Zoo. MCOs 744 and 874 and Shop 127 participants walked a course of eight miles. They also enjoyed lunch together at the Africa Live Exhibit.
UHC of St. Louis
In St. Louis, Active Day was held at Tower Grove Park. MCO 736 stayed busy with many activities including: volleyball, Frisbee, bean bag toss, yard ball toss, potato sack races, bounce houses and tug-of-war. Over 80 participants were present. To end the day, prizes were also raffled off to those who attended.
Finally, click here to see why the Phoenix Business Journal declared U-Haul one of the healthiest employers of 2017.
