Veterans and civilians from coast to coast will once again walk shoulder-to-shoulder to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those who've served Canada.
Set for Sept. 22 in White Rock, the seventh annual Canadian Walk for Veterans aims to "raise awareness of the challenges faced by those who serve our country and to express our gratitude for their service."
White Rock is among 14 cities with walks planned. Net proceeds will benefit veterans on their recovery journey, including Team Canada participants in the 2025 Invictus Games.
The walk has strong Semiahmoo Peninsula roots; co-founded in 2018 by South Surrey residents Marc Burchell and Dr. Matthew Kane, through the White Rock/South Surrey-based Equitas Disabled Soldiers Funding Society (equitassociety.ca).
According to a bio at canadianwalkforveterans.com, Kane joined the military at age 17, working as a mechanic in the Royal Canadian Navy before transferring to military intelligence.
Involved with various operations, his final task "was leading an intelligence cell conducting operations against Taliban Improvised Explosive Device financiers, suppliers, and makers," the bio details.
Kane sustained numerous injuries in the line of duty before leaving the military in 2014.
Burchell is the son of a Second World War veteran and past-president of the Equitas society, which formed in 2011 to challenge the New Veterans Charter, which replaced veterans' lifelong pensions with lump-sum settlements. While the challenge ultimately failed, the society's advocacy efforts continue.
The 2024 walk "marks the launch of a new era," a news release notes, explaining that True Patriot Love Foundation – which is also funding Team Canada 2025 Invictus Games competitors – has taken on the role of national co-ordinator.
The foundation supports Canada's military community "at every stage of their journey," according to information at truepatriotlove.com
"Whether they are facing health-care challenges, their families need support, or they are seeking to transition to civilian life, it’s our responsibility to make sure their needs are met," it continues.
White Rock's Sept. 22 walk event is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Memorial Park (14970 Marine Dr.), with registration to open at 9 a.m.
Highlights planned include a barbecue by Knights of Columbus, and the music of Larrie Forbes and the Vancouver Naval Vets Band, as well as the Surrey Firefighters Pipes & Drum Band.
Those who cannot attend but want to support the event are encouraged to register for a virtual walk and participate at their choice of time and location.
For more information, or to register, visit canadianwalkforveterans.com
