The Canadian Walk for Veterans will take place in Cold Lake on September 22, as part of its mission to support military veterans and their families. Organized by True Patriot Love Foundation, in collaboration with the team formerly known as One Veteran Society, the event aims to enhance support for Canada’s military community through fundraising and awareness efforts.
The Canadian Walk for Veterans, first hosted in 2018, invites Canadians to walk shoulder to shoulder in recognition of the nation’s military and veterans. The manager with True Patriot Love, Canada’s leading foundation for the military community, is expected to provide better support for team leads, walkers, and donors, allowing the event to continue growing across the country.
Dan Hansen, the team lead for Cold Lake, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the walk to the Lakeland community. “I decided to become the team lead for Cold Lake and bring it to Cold Lake and the Lakeland area. I figure it’s an Air Force area with lots of veterans. It’s a good place to bring it,” Hansen said. “Sixty percent of the proceeds will go locally to help veterans in the area.”
The Walk in Cold Lake will begin at the Royal Canadian Legion on 70th St, with registration starting at 9:30 a.m. and the walk commencing at 10 a.m. on September 22. Participants will embark on a 5-kilometre walk, with a shorter 1.5-kilometre route available for those who need it. The event will include opening ceremonies featuring a land acknowledgment from the Cold Lake Friendship Centre and the distribution of Quilts of Valour to veterans.
“The turnaround point is going to be at Points West Seniors Residence,” Hansen explained. “The veteran seniors will be outside on the lawn, waving at us, and we’ll wave back, maybe share a few fist bumps and hugs. Then we’ll head back towards the Legion, where there will be a light lunch and a small veterans’ vendor market.”
A highlight of participants is the Challenge Coin, a tradition in the military that symbolizes recognition for a job well done. “A Challenge Coin was a great thought process,” Hansen noted. “This is just something that you can add to your collection, and it means a lot to the military community.”
The walk not only raises awareness but also funds for organizations supporting veterans, active service members, and their families. True Patriot Love has granted $41 million for veterans and their families, reaching more than 40,000 beneficiaries and supporting over 1,000 community-based programs across the country. This year’s fundraising will be facilitated through True Patriot Love’s online donation forms, allowing participants to set up team pages, invite ither to join, and customize fundraising efforts.
Registration for the walk is $25 per person, with special rates for families, businesses, and cadets. For more information on donating and to register for the walk visit, True Patriot Love’s official website or sign up in person on the day of the walk.
