White Rock's waterfront was busy with people who gathered to help raise awareness and support for those who serve, or have served, with the Canadian military Sunday morning.
The seventh annual Canadian Walk for Veterans was held Sept. 22 in the seaside city, along with walks in 14 other cities across Canada this past weekend, with net proceeds from the White Rock walk going towards supporting veterans across Canada on their recovery journey, through the power of sport, arts and through their participation as members of Team Canada in the 2025 Invictus Games being held in Vancouver/Whistler.
Former White Rock mayor and longtime provincial and federal politician Gordie Hogg served as Master of Ceremonies, and after opening remarks from local dignitaries including South Surrey-White Rock MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford and White Rock Mayor Megan Knight, the walk's co-ordinator, Marc Burchell thanked everyone for coming.
"I'm just absolutely blown away we've been working at this for eight years and it has certainly grown... into a national and now international (event) as well," he said, noting Canadian Walks for Veterans have been completed as far away as Holland, Australia, Egypt and Bosnia.
"We are growing at an unbelievable rate and it's because this cause is resonating with the Canadian public. People understand that we live in the most beautiful country on Earth because we have people who step forward and put their lives at risk."
He showed a photo of Canadian Major (Ret'd) Mark Campbell, who lost his legs while serving in Afghanistan.
"We have to remember we have the freedom and the ability to walk," Burchell said.
Star of the Sea Knights of Columbus volunteers grilled up a barbecue lunch, while the Vancouver Naval Vets Band plus the Surrey Firefighters Pipes and Drum Band helped keep everything upbeat prior to the walk's start.
The 2024 event, which was founded in White Rock/South Surrey by Equitas Disabled Soldiers Funding Society, also marks the launch of a new era for the event as True Patriot Love Foundation has become the national co-ordinator of the walk. The national military foundation provides funding to local and national mental health programs, recovery and rehabilitation services, and is funding competitors of Team Canada at the 2025 Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler.
As well as White Rock, participating walk locations in 2024 include Abbotsford, Courtenay and Kamloops in B.C., Calgary and Cold Lake, Alta.; Prince Albert, Sask.; Huntsville, Kingston and Ottawa, Ont; Philipsburg, QC; and Amherst, Bridgewater and Halifax in Nova Scotia.
Those who cannot attend a walk in one of the 14 locations, but would still like to support Canadian Veterans and their families, can register for a virtual walk and participate where they want, when they want. In past years, virtual walkers have participated in more than 150 cities across the country.
