Local Canadian Walk for Veterans supports Heroes of the Homefront
Later this month, the Canadian Walk for Veterans (CWFV) Kingston edition will give the community the opportunity to walk shoulder-to-shoulder to bring awareness to veterans, serving CAF members, first responders, and their families.
On Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, the CWFV will be hosted by the Kingston Military Family Resource Centre (KMFRC) in collaboration with the Order of St. George, at 32 Lundy’s Lane, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
According to a release from CWFV, participants can choose between a shorter, less challenging 2.3 km route and a 5 km distance, that will take them from the KMFRC down Fort Henry Hill and through the Memorial Arch at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC).
This 6th edition of the Canadian Walk for Veterans specifically recognizes the Heroes of the Homefront to shine the spotlight on the contributions made by military
families and the critical role they play in enhancing the well-being of military personnel and Veterans, CWFV noted.
“This year’s Heroes of the Homefront campaign is so important. Military life requires many sacrifices by the entire military family. When a CAF member serves in the military, the entire family serves as well. This is particularly important for those CAF members with service-related health conditions,” explained Breanne Lambert, Kingston Team Lead of the KWFV and Public Relations Coordinator at the KMFRC.
Local Kingston businesses are invited to participate in the walk and are encouraged to register as a team. According to the release, participants will get to enjoy live music from Music Healing Veterans Canada and the Kingston Military Wives Choir, a free barbeque, face painting for children, the Footsteps of Heroes Memorial Trailer, PWOR Piper, and more.
Everyone who registers for this year’s walk will receive the 2023 CWFV challenge coin, produced by Veteran-owned Sharkz Coins of Esquimalt, B.C. The front of the coin depicts the iconic image from the Second World War entitled “Wait for me Daddy” and on the back of the coin is this year’s theme “Heroes of the Homefront”. Net proceeds from this year’s Canadian Walk for Veterans will be used to support the valuable work of the 32 MFRCs in Canada, according to CWFV.
Individuals and groups who are interested in participating can register online at www.canadianwalkforveterans.com/Kingston.
“Dealing with difficult situations can often feel overwhelming and intimidating for the family members of those serving. Whether they need advice on navigating family relationships, have questions about what to expect during military life or are seeking counselling services, we are there to support them in a safe environment,” noted Andrea Pritchard, Veteran Family Program Navigator at the KMFRC and CWFV Kingston Co-Team Lead.
Don Haisell, Kingston Prior of the Order of St. George, a CAF Veteran, and long-term serving member added, “MFRCs are essentially the heart of their military communities. We are glad to team up with the KMFRC to host this event and support their valuable work and the difference they make in this community.”
Anyone who cannot attend a walk in one of CWFV locations but would like to support Canadian Veterans and their families, can register through the website, and walk “virtually” where they want, when they want. Further information about the 2023 Canadian Walk for Veterans and registration can be found at
www.canadianwalkforveterans.com.