Mishall RehmanThis September, you can support the more than 460,000 veterans in Canada by participating in the annual Canadian Walk for Veterans.
Registration is currently open for the walk, which will take place on Sept. 21 and 22 in cities throughout the country.
The walk is in its seventh year, but this will be the first year that True Patriot Love will present and conduct it.
“We are thrilled to be part of the growth of this incredible event and are honoured that One Veterans Society entrusted us to take on this event,” said Sarah Baker, Chief Marketing Officer of True Patriot Love.
Get walking
This year’s walk will be held in 11 cities across the country. Walk locations include:
- Fraser Valley, BC
- Courtenay, BC
- Kamloops, BC
- White Rock BC
- Calgary, AB
- Cold Lake, AB
- Halifax, NS
- Huntsville, ON
- Kingston, ON
- Philisburg, QC
- Prince Albert, SK
The race also includes a virtual component, allowing anyone from around Canada to take part.
Supporting Veterans
According to True Patriot Love statistics, nearly 5,000 military personnel leave the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Many need assistance transitioning to civilian life, while others struggle with their health, and their families need support.
According to Barker, the walk has two significant purposes, both of which help combat the challenges veterans face.
“The first is fundraising to support those who served or continue to serve and their families, through community-based programming that supports military families, health and wellness programs for those beginning their transition or those who have transitioned to civilian life and then connecting Veterans back to their local communities.
“The second is about connecting Canadians back to their military, continuing to share the stories of those who served, not only in the past but those who fought in more recent conflicts of Bosnia or Afghanistan and those who continue to serve in today’s conflict while also supporting domestic crisis,” commented Barker.
True Patriot Love
Since its inception, One Veterans Society has managed the Canadian Walk for Veterans. However, this year, the charge was given over to True Patriot Love. Since 2009, the orgranization has disbursed $47 million for Veterans and their families, reaching over 41,000 beneficiaries and supporting 1,065 community-based programs nationwide.
“We fund holistically, focusing not only on the needs of individuals and families but also on the broader landscape in which they live and work.
“We fund services where Veterans and dedicated servicemembers can strengthen and heal. We provide funding for pathways to successful new work for Veterans and those soon to leave service. We also support their families by investing in programs for their children and spouses, the unsung heroes of military life,” stated Barker.
To Register
Those taking part in the walk will be given a Challenge Coin supplied by Canadian Veteran-owned Sharkz Coins based in Esquimalt, BC, according to TPL.
The cost to participate in the walk varies:
- General Admission 13+ $25
- Cadet Registration $10
- Student Registration $15
- Family Registration (includes four registrations)$80
- Business Registration (team of 4) $100
To register for a Canadian Walk for Veterans near you, visit here. To learn how to set up a walk in your community, contact Tara Diaczyk here.
