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The Race Goes On...

The 2021 Race to Winterize will span four long weekends from mid September through early December. Volunteers are invited to join the Tipi Raisers and work alongside Lakota tribal workers to help prepare families on Pine Ridge for the upcoming winter. 

We anticipate keeping our stringent Covid-19 Safety Protocols in place through 2021 in order to keep the people of Pine Ridge -and our volunteers- safe. This includes limiting the numbers of volunteers that use our lodging. There will be two lodging options this year:
 
Tipi Raisers Base Camp on Pine Ridge
Our numbers for lodging at our base camp each weekend will be limited to eight people.  Spots available through registration on a first come, first served basis. To see if lodging for your preferred weekend is available please Contact Us. 

Nearby Hotels
You may also join the Race while providing for your own lodging accommodations in nearby hotels just off of the reservation. Contact Us for more information and the registration link for this option.
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Race to Winterize activities include cutting and delivering firewood, repairing homes damaged in storms (including windows, roofing and siding) and installing insulation and skirting.  The Race can also include organizing donations and delivering much needed supplies such as space heaters, hygiene products, warm blankets, etc. 

When possible, we ask that volunteers assist with collecting, transporting and distributing needed material donations (based on current needs found HERE). 

The lodging is in a modern building.  There are cots, bathrooms, showers and a kitchen/dining area. Food is provided though there is room for you to pack and cook your own if you have special dietary needs. A complete packing list is provided with registration.  Transportation is NOT included.

Race to Winterize trips are free. As such, we provide our volunteers with ways that they may do their own fundraising and strongly encourage them to engage their friends, family and professional network to help offset our costs for offering these trips free of charge.  We encourage you to set a FUNDRAISING goal of $500 through your network. Other ways volunteers can give back include adopting a project, spreading the word in their community or making a donation directly to Tipi Raisers.

Due to Covid-19, we will be monitoring conditions closely - and will update this page as well as well as our social media if current Race to Winterize plans change - whether that means loosening up on our protocols or tightening them.

See our covid-19 safety protocols

Join the Race to Winterize and help us beat old man Winter!

Contact Lori for more information 
lori@thetipiraisers.org
970-456-7196

With anticipated 2021 limits on numbers of volunteers, your donation to the Race to Winterize will be even more important so that we may hire more workers from the Tribe in our efforts to prepare as many families as possible for winter!

Donate to the race

Register Here

2019 Race Photos

*Race to Winterize 2021 Dates:

• September 10 - 13 ​
• October 15 - 18 is Full 
• November 5 - 8
• December 3 - 6​

*In the event any of these weekends are cancelled due to storms, we will do our best to reschedule.

Can't join the Race to Winterize but want to do something?! 

Donate to the race

LAUNCH YOUR OWN FUNDRAISER-IT'S EASY!

JOIN THE NAGI CIRCLE!

Race to Winterize Background:
We launched the first Race to Winterize in the fall of 2018 to prepare for the harsh Pine Ridge winter and address the storm damaged homes from a severe summer storm that left windows shattered and siding and roofs shredded. Each year we host volunteers and employ Tribal members to work together over the course four long weekends in the fall. Since launching that first Race to Winterize, we have hosted over 150 volunteers, logged over 5,000 work hours and helped prepare nearly 100 families on Pine Ridge for winter.

Donate to the race

Wish to join the Race to Winterize in person?  Contact Lori  for more information and to reserve your spot!   lori@thetipiraisers.org 
​(970) 456-7196