Cold Lake will be a site for the Canadian Walk For Veterans on September 22.
The Canadian Walk For Veterans is organized nationally by True Patriot Love Foundation. According to the Walk’s website, the primary goal is “to provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn about the challenges of coping with life after service.”
The Walk For Veterans also raises funds for designated national and local veterans’ charities. Sixty per cent of funds raised are donated locally, and the 2024 national recipient, the Invictus Games, will receive the other 40 per cent.
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport competition celebrating the abilities of wounded, injured, and sick veterans. The next Games is in Vancouver and Whistler, BC in 2025.
The designated local recipient is Royal Canadian Legion Cold Lake Branch 211.
Local veterans Dan Hansen and Trevor Kearley are organizing the Cold Lake walk. Hansen says the Legion provides service to veterans that goes well beyond the annual Remembrance Day ceremony.
He points to the help offered by the local Branch service officer and the Legion’s Service Bureau as helping veterans navigate the various processes at Veterans Affairs Canada, as well as the important social opportunities the Branch provides.
“Mike Williams, another veteran, started the Branch coffee for veterans every two weeks, and that’s been really nice,” Hansen said.
“Not everybody wants to go for a beer at night. Sometimes they want to go for a coffee. And so every second Wednesday, the Legion is open up in the morning. Coffee is provided by Tim Horton’s, and we can just sit there and chat about nothing.”
Everyone is welcome to take part in the Walk For Veterans. The main route is a five kilometre walk from the Legion down 10th Street past Kinosoo Beach, and then up to Points West Living near the Cold Lake Health Centre.
There the walkers will wave and exchange greetings with the veterans at Points West before returning to the Legion for lunch.
“There’ll be build-your-own sandwich and soup for lunch with some music in the background,” Hansen said. He is also looking for people to participate in a small vendors’ market.
A shorter route of just over one kilometre is also available. Wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers are all welcome. And, Hansen says, there is no racing or other competitive element to the event.
“The walk itself is about 90 per cent on sidewalks, so it should be very safe. There are volunteers at the crosswalks,” he said.
Registered participants will receive a specially-minted souvenir challenge coin.
“Each year, the challenge coin has a different picture on it. This year we’re recognizing veterans’ recovery journey, so there’s an image on there for that with the expression ‘Shoulder To Shoulder’ in English and French,” he said.
More information is available at canadianwalkforveterans.com or through Cold Lake Legion.