Challenge coin presented to participants (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

WALK FOR VETERANS

Canadian Walk for Veterans makes Kamloops debut Saturday

Sep 23, 2022 | 4:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — The 2022 Canadian Walk for Veterans will return as an in-person event in 11 cities, coast to coast this weekend. The event is meant to raise awareness of the plight of Canadian veterans, first responders and foreign nationals who have supported Canadian troops in conflict zones such as Somalia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Afghanistan and other peace keeping missions.

For decades, interpreters, translators, project managers and cultural advisors have put their lives at risk to support Canada’s missions around the world. For that reason, funds raised by this year’s walk for veterans will help those who helped Canadians.

“The proceeds from our walk are going to True Patriot Love, which is an organization that is trying to sponsor those who supported Canadian soldiers and infrastructure people all the way from Somalia up to Afghanistan. As you know, there has been a lot of struggle in getting them back and getting them into Canada, into a safe place,” said veteran Gord Sands.

It was an easy decision for the Legion to co-sponsor the event in Kamloops when they were approached earlier this year.

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“It’s very important that we recognize what the Afghan people did for us when we were over there. They worked with veterans side by side every single day to make sure things went smoothly. We feel it’s very important that we help them as much as we can to bring them here and get them settled in a safe environment,” added Legion President Daniel Martin.

The walk will take place in four B.C. cities including Kamloops this year. Sands noted it was an honour to be able to bring the walk to this community.

“I’m very humbled and grateful to be a part of it. Anything we can do to raise issues around veterans and the trauma that they experienced but also those who supported Canadians in our fight and struggle to maintain freedom in our world,” said Sands.

The event start at 10:00 am on Saturday (Sept. 24) at McArthur Island Park, with registration opening at 9:00.

Everybody who registers will receive a limited edition challenge coin for taking part.