Thirty-seven registered walkers, along with half a dozen or more companions and seven dogs, took part in the inaugural Walk For Veterans in Cold Lake on September 22.
Organizer Dan Hanson is happy with the turnout, and is looking forward to seeing the event grow.
The Walk For Veterans is operated nationally by the True Patriot Love Foundation, whose goal is to promote understanding about veterans amongst the Canadian public. Projects like the annual Walk For Veterans also raise funds for national and local veterans’ charities.
Hanson has been working for a few years to establish a walk in Cold Lake. He and fellow veteran Trevor Kearley, with help from the Cold Lake branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, finally received approval and got the project off the ground.
“I’m happy this day finally came,” Hanson said after the walk was complete. “I feel like it’s been a long time coming. I’ve tried since 2020 off and on to get the Walk For Veterans here, and I’m feeling very happy.
“Tired, but very happy.”
Participants gathered at the Cold Lake Legion for registration, coffee, and an official welcome before heading out on either a 5-kilometre or 1.5-kilometer route. Walkers on the longer route stopped in at Points West Living to visit with veterans and other residents.
Quilts Of Valour were presented to four veterans before the walk began. The program presents quilts to nominated veterans, many of whom are recovering from service-related injuries.
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.
Hanson was pleased, but not surprised, to see fellow veterans taking part in the walk.
“The veteran community—I can’t say enough about it. They support each other,” he said. “If you put “Veteran” on something, you know you’re going to get veterans showing up.”
“I’m hoping that we can double this for next year and keep going,” he added.