PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, June 29, 2020
CONTACT:
Erin Hillert
Marketing & Communications Manager
James River Association
ehillert@thejamesriver.org
608.239.2644
James River Relief’ Returns to give Hospital Workers
Healing on the Water
The James River Association & Outfitter Partners Offer Free Paddle Trips to Hospital Workers
Last summer, as Covid-19 quarantined the country and social gatherings were brought to an abrupt halt, healthcare workers carried on through unprecedented challenges, battling a global pandemic and putting their lives on the line daily. As a small gesture of thanks for the incredible service of our Virginia healthcare heroes, the James River Association (JRA) launched James River Relief in June 2020, a program providing free paddle trips to hospital workers in the James River watershed. Within 24 hours of the program launch, the first round of 100 paddle trips had been given away, signaling a great demand for healthcare staff to find much-needed respite by connecting with the river.
James River Relief is back for the 2021 river season, thanks to the generosity of donors who gave funds to support the program. The program will again provide more than 100 paddle trip & rental options to doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff through partnering with several regional outfitters.
“We were thrilled to give away more than 100 trips last summer to hospital workers in the James River watershed” said Bill Street, CEO for the James River Association. “We are excited to bring this program back, and grateful to partner with several outfitters in various locations on the James, to provide a break on the water offering solace, relaxation and enjoyment on our beautiful river.”
Outfitter partners include RVA Paddlesports and Crosswind Paddle Company in Richmond, James River Reeling & Rafting in Scottsville, and Rivanna River Company in Charlottesville. The program will also provide trips through JRA’s outfitter, James River Adventures in Lynchburg, and through JRA’s Connect with the James programs in Greater Richmond and James City County.
“We had a wonderful time floating”, said Leora Brown, a healthcare worker at Sentara Careplex Hospital who took a trip through the program at James River Reeling & Rafting last summer. “It was a much-needed break from work and the quarantine life for my family! We look forward to doing this again!”
Hospital workers can sign up for a free paddle by filling out a form on JRA’s website. They are asked to provide their name, address, and the hospital where they work. After they sign up, they are emailed with further details, plus a code to book their trip or rental for free.
To learn more about James River Relief and to share this opportunity with hospital workers in the James River watershed, visit https://thejamesriver.org/james-river-relief.
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.