The Canadian Walk for Veterans will return to Kinsmen Park on Saturday, with organizers hoping a change in date will make it easier for more families, veterans and service members to take part.
River Valley Resilience Retreat is once again hosting the Prince Albert walk in partnership with True Patriot Love Foundation.
Registration begins at noon on Sept. 26, with the walk starting at 2 p.m. at the Kinette Amphitheatre.
Evert Botha, who handles communications for River Valley Resilience Retreat, said the event was moved from its traditional Sunday date after organizers saw strong family participation last year.
“We changed the date from the Sunday to the Saturday this year purely because we felt that families have commitments on Sundays,” Botha said.
He said organizers hope the change will allow more families, veterans, public safety personnel, military members and cadets to attend.
Last year’s event was the largest Prince Albert turnout so far, Botha said. He estimated close to 60 people took part.
The Royal Canadian Legion flag party will also return for a second year, while Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross is expected to make remarks.
The walk will include two routes around Kinsmen Park. A shorter inner route is available for seniors and people with mobility challenges, while a longer route will take participants around the park’s outer perimeter. Botha said the event should finish by about 3 p.m.
This year’s theme is “Stronger Together – No One Heals Alone,” a message Botha said closely reflects the work of River Valley Resilience Retreat.
“You’re never alone, we’re always there as a resource,” he said. “Our mantra is it’s okay to ask for help.”
Botha said RVRR has seen increasing engagement from veterans and active service members dealing with occupational stress injuries.
He said the retreat recorded 4,025 participant interactions last year, including 2,689 calls, 487 day visits and 230 overnight stays.
The organization had planned for a 15 to 20 per cent increase in demand, Botha said, but instead saw year-over-year growth of 54 per cent.
He said there continues to be stigma surrounding mental health and occupational stress injuries, particularly among some older veterans, although that is beginning to change.
“Those wounds are real, and those wounds come back when you get home,” Botha said.
RVRR provides weekly peer support meetings, virtual support, a 24-hour phone line and access to its retreat for veterans, service members and public safety personnel.
A portion of the money raised through the Prince Albert walk comes back to RVRR through True Patriot Love and helps support peer meetings and programming for veterans and active service members.
Advance registrations also qualify participants for a commemorative challenge coin, with remaining coins available to same-day registrants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Botha said people do not need a personal military connection to take part.
“The Walk for Veterans is that opportunity to say yes, we see you, we recognize you, and we thank you for your service,” he said.
Participants are encouraged to arrive at noon, wear comfortable shoes and bring their families.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
