At the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, you never have to trot alone! Not only will 20,000 of your neighbors be running and walking that morning with you, you’ll also have the backup of some incredible volunteers to help you along the way!
The Austin Chinese American Network (ACAN) is one of these volunteer groups, and they have stepped up to cover all volunteer spots at TWO water stops this year! ACAN has been actively serving the Austin community in a variety of amazing ways over the past couple of years, and we asked them what motivated them to spend their Thanksgiving morning with us.
How did you first get involved with Caritas of Austin?
Some of our members got together and participated in Turkey Trot last Thanksgiving and really enjoyed it. As an organization, ACAN volunteers a lot in the community, with nonprofits like Central Texas Food Bank, Keep Austin Beautiful, Salvation Army, Travis County Children Protective Services, etc. We are always looking for more places to serve and new organizations to work with.
How did you first decide to start the Austin American Chinese Network?
ACAN was founded with the mission to serve the Austin community and foster our heritage. Our founding members wanted a platform within Austin Chinese American community to encourage our members to engage in civic events, to volunteer and give back. It also gives our 2nd generation and the general Austin community more exposure to our Chinese culture. Since its founding in Spring 2017, we have grown to be an organization with over 1,000 members. We organize routine volunteer activities, charity events and cultural celebrations in the community.
What about Caritas’ work is most important to you?
Serving the underprivileged community and giving back is a major part of ACAN’s mission. Caritas’ work with people experiencing homelessness fits in our mission very well. Our Chinese American community is full of talented professionals and a variety of resources, along with the strong will to serve. In the past, we worked with The Salvation Army to provide Spring Festival Celebration dinners (plus gifts and red envelopes for children) at their downtown shelter, and also held a Mid-Autumn Charity performance and raised $3,000 for them. We hope to do more with Caritas of Austin as well.
What do you wish other people knew about Caritas of Austin?
The Turkey Trot has been a very successful local event. But most probably don’t know that Caritas of Austin is the sole local beneficiary of this charity run.
Thank you, ACAN, for making the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot possible, and for all you do to make Austin more vibrant for all!
Want to be part of the fun this Thanksgiving morning? Learn more about volunteering or participating in the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot HERE!
