Fraser Valley veterans lead annual fundraiser for Canadian military members Saturday

CHILLIWACK — Veterans in Chilliwack and Abbotsford are set to walk arm-in-arm at the forefront of a nationwide fundraiser event this weekend.

On September 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents are invited to join the eighth annual Canadian Walk for Veterans in support of the military community and True Patriot Love– an organization funding mental health and recovery programs for service members, veterans and their families.

It’s a passionate cause for people like Eugene Collinson, who first enlisted in Vancouver back in 1978.

“After relocating to Chilliwack—a city with deep military roots and a significant veteran population—I knew it was important to bring a Veterans Walk to this community,” said Collinson. “[Canadian Forces] Chilliwack served as one of the main military installations in British Columbia for many years.”

Collinson continues to serve his community as a Captain in the Cadet Instructors Cadre of the Canadian Forces Reserves. He joins Abbotsford veterans Dame Gwen Settle, Doug Lumley and Peter Lacoste in organizing Walks in their respective communities within the Fraser Valley.

“The Walk provides an opportunity to take action and support the mental and physical challenges faced by those who have served our country and by doing so, honour the sacrifices they and their families make on behalf of all Canadians,” wrote the Walk in a release.

This year’s theme is “Honouring the Past; Supporting the Journey” as the community marks several anniversaries, including 80 years since the end of World War 2 and the 75th anniversary of Canadians entering the Korean War, while remembering that one-third of Canadian veterans are in the core working age of 25 to 54.

The Chilliwack loop starts in All Sappers Memorial Park, while Abbotsford begins at Mill Lake in Centennial Park. Registration can be found online or in person an hour before the event.