What began as an attempt to find a way for the local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to engage with the public has grown into an expanding movement.
On Saturday, Legion Branch 43 hosts its third annual Walk of Honour at Fort George Park from 10 a.m. until noon.
"A few years back, I was looking for an event to branch out into the community," said Legion second vice president and event co-chair Steven Goes, who was inspired by a recommendation by the Military Family Resource Centre to start a walk.
The two-hour event is a fundraiser for Winch House, a Vancouver-area residence run by the Chelsea Society that provides free accommodation for soldiers receiving treatment for injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, or making other adjustments to returning to civilian life.
In its first year, the walk, also called the Red Shirt Marathon, was hastily put together and not well attended, Goes explained. But, with help from Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, the event was better formed in its sophomore year.
"Almost a 100 people came out for the second year. And this year, it just seems to be snowballing," he said.
Money is raised through the $20 registration fee as well as any other donations collected through the duration of the five-kilometre walk. Last year, the event raised close to $4,000 with the help of other Legion branches in the zone also making donations, or holding their own events, like in Mackenzie.
"It's nice to see it starting to branch out to other communities. Our goal, is we'd like to see it branch out through British Columbia and even larger, if we can," Goes said, adding he would like to raise enough money to for facilities like Winch House to be available in more communities.
Throughout the event, entertainment will be provided by the Dawn Boudreau Group as well as two local dance groups. The ladies' auxiliary will also run a food concession.
"What a great way to spend your day in the park," said Goes.
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