Gamers seek volunteers for March 27 NAMI Walk

By Conrad Pursley

Members of the East Campus gaming club, Gamers Unite, plan to turn off their consoles and put down their gamepads for Tucson’s March 27 NAMI Walk.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. The NAMI Walk is a 5-kilometer fund-raising walk designed to raise awareness of mental illness.

Aaron Holley, president of Gamers Unite, said the group is always looking for service opportunities.

“Whenever we find opportunities to go to things like that, we always try to,” Holley said. “They’re really a lot of fun and as long as we go as a group, everything’s fun for us.”

Last year, Gamers Unite members joined more than 3,000 others in the NAMI Walk, and helped raise more than $178,000.

This year, Holley is reaching out for more walkers and donors, by requesting that clubs from each Pima Community College campus help promote the event and form their own NAMI Walk team.

Holley said his group enjoyed Eegee’s snacks and other tasty treats last year during the walk. Hang out with friends, get a little exercise, eat free food and all for a good cause: who would say no to that?

“It’s a day in the park,” Holley said. “Walk for 15 minutes and get free food nonstop, why not?”

Gamers Unite will sign up people interested in the NAMI Walk in East Campus’s mall area, in front of the cafeteria.

The NAMI Walk will be held at Sam Lena Park, 2805 E. Ajo Way, on March 27. Check-in time is 7:30 a.m., with a start time of 9 a.m. Although donations are encouraged, they are not mandatory. Arrive early to find available parking.

For more information on how to sign up for or donate to the NAMI Walk, visit your campus Student Life Office or go to namisa.org.