The Race Goes On...

The 2019 Race to Winterize will span several long weekends this fall!
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Volunteers are invited to join the Tipi Raisers at our Base Camp and work alongside Lakota tribal workers to help prepare families on Pine Ridge for the upcoming winter. 

Race 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 calls to action found HERE). 

There is no fee for joining the Race and food and modest lodging are provided.  The lodging is in the basement of a community building.  There are cots, separate bunk rooms for men and women, bathrooms, showers and a kitchen/dining area.  Transportation is NOT included.

Volunteers (individuals or groups) may join us for one or multiple days within each long weekend- or join us for multiple weekends if that is of interest. 

October Race Dates:
October 10 - 13- *RESCHEDULED DUE TO WINTER STORM
October 24 - 27 THIS WEEKEND IS COMPLETELY BOOKED
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November Race Dates:
November 8 - 11 THIS WEEKEND IS COMPLETELY BOOKED
November 22 - 26 THIS WEEKEND IS COMPLETELY BOOKED

December Race Dates :
December 12 - 15 ​(this weekend includes a winter season gift giveaway and meal for our friends on Pine Ridge)

*In the event any of these weekends need to be cancelled due to storms, a make-up date will be announced.

Join the Race to Winterize - individuals, families and groups are welcome! Contact Lori for more information and RESERVE YOUR SPOT soon before they fill up!
lori@thetipiraisers.org
970-456-7196

Donate to the race

register to join the race

2019 Race Photos

How else can you help? 

If you 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. The Race ran through mid-December that year, employed an average of 20 Lakota tribal members and engaged over 80 volunteers visiting from out-of-state.  The 2018 Race ran in collaboration with Wakpamni and Oglala Districts, the Pine Ridge Retreat Center, Our Lady of the Sioux in Oglala, the OST Office of Emergency Management, the Tribal Vice President's Office and Running Strong.  Overall, assistance was provided to nearly 80 homes in the combined districts of Oglala, Wakpamni and Pine Ridge!

But by the end of the fall it was clear that we had just scratched the surface - with approximately 600 homes damaged in the storm.  Therefore, through grants and in partnership with the tribal Housing Authority, the Race ramped up again in January of 2019 and goes on to this day! These efforts have now provided much needed assistance to over 230 families and provided consistent employment to Lakota tribal members working through extreme cold, snow, blizzards and the stifling heat of the summer.  

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