Vols Help Vets is a group of five students of the University of Tennessee who are making an effort to raise money for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF). PHWFF of Knoxville is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit that uses activities such as fly-fishing, fly-tying, and various trips to aid in the physical and emotional rehabilitation of veterans. The money raised by Vols Help Vets will go towards funding members of Project Healing Waters to go on their annual Veterans On Water trip in May.

The goal of this campaign is to raise $1,400 for PHWFF so that members can go on this trip. There are 35 members looking to attend this trip. It is $40 per veteran, and that will cover food, transportation, fishing rods, and flys. This trip cannot happen without help from the local community because Project Healing Waters is dependent on donations.

PHWFF has been serving veterans since 2005 and is now working nationwide with Warrior Transition Units and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. This organization actively aids veterans through their classes and events. They offer a high-quality fly-fishing program and a supportive community to heal. PHWFF values the core values of compassion, accountability, excellence and community. Utilizing these values allows the organization to aid veterans in the ways they need most. What PHWFF does is important because what they offer veterans aids in their rehabilitation. The organization is completely dependent on donations to fund their supplies and trips.

Group member Autumn Sexton said “This project is important to me because I want to make a positive impact on the community and give back to those who have made a sacrifice for us.” Many members of Vols Help Vets are related to someone who is currently serving or has served in the military before. They care about Project Healing Waters because they have such a unique way of giving back to our veterans who have sacrificed so much for this country. With this campaign, Vols Help Vets hopes to give veterans the opportunity to enjoy an outing with other members and experience a great sense of community.

They are accepting donations until April 26th. Find out more at www.gofundme.com.