Walking to support veterans
By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter
For three years Canadians have participated in walks across the nation in support of veterans. And for the first time, the event is coming to Strathmore on Sept. 26 in a virtual format.
Unable to be held in Calgary this year because of COVID-19, a local supporter of the Canadian Walk For Veterans (CWFV) took it into his own hands to reach out to the national organizer to see if a walk in Strathmore would be of benefit.
“I feel it is important to continue to spread the interest and support for our veterans, along with first responders that do a great job every day,” said retired Sgt. Jeffery Warne, a veteran of 28 years and organizer for the Strathmore CWFV.
With the motto of “walking virtually shoulder to shoulder” leading this year’s charge, the walk is taking a different format across the country. As the inaugural CWFV walk in Strathmore, everything is new, but Warne hopes for a good turnout.
“I do not have a goal for the first year (of the walk) here, but I am hoping for a fair turnout,” said Warne, who added it’s an important event to support. He “discussed with my brothers and sisters in the forces (and) we feel this is an important tradition to carry on and support, and I know this town has support for a lot of things.”
The theme for the walk this year has shifted to “what is in the hearts of all of us in these difficult times” and that “service, sacrifice and selflessness are the tenets of the best,” which is why the walk this year is highlighted by the contributions made by those who choose to give of themselves even when times are hard. The walk this year is dedicated to the military, veterans, first responders, civil servants and every essential frontline worker across the nation.
On Sept. 26, registrants are being asked to meet at the small parking lot by Gray’s Park before 11 a.m. and will walk, run or bike around the green space and pond, a distance of about four kilometres.
Registration is open to anyone and the cost is $20 per person or $60 per family; cadets pay $10 and children 12 and under are free. Pledges are not required to participate, and every participant will receive a special edition memento coin.
Interested walkers can visit www.canadianwalkforveterans.com to sign up.
Those unable to participate in the walk but who still want to be involved are encouraged to donate through the website; they will also receive a special edition memento coin for their donation.
All net proceeds will be going towards Courageous Companions, a provider of service dogs for retired veterans.
Should the walk do well this year and garner support, Warne said he would be honoured to run it again next year in Strathmore and to make it a bigger and better event.
“There are few veterans left around Strathmore and I feel it is my responsibility to carry on things like this for my brothers and sisters (who are) serving or retired, and who have passed at home or away serving,” said Warne.