Support shown for Wounded Warriors run

Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, Dr. Bonnie Henry addresses the WWRBC team and guests at the Langford Legion. Photo by John W. Penner/John’s Photography

Peter Mallett 
Staff Writer

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With 800 kilometres travelled by foot, the Wounded Warriors relay team took their final steps March 6 into Market Square.

The moment marked the eight runners eight-day journey across Vancouver Island to raise funds and awareness for Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health service provider for military veterans and first responders.

Capt(N) Jeff Hutchinson, Base Commander; Chief Del Manak, Victoria Police Chief; and Saanich Deputy Chief Dean Duthie ran with them to the finish line.

“It was incredible to be able to reconnect with so many people in all of the communities we stopped in previous years,” says Race Director, Captain Jacqueline Zweng. “There was even more support and encouragement than ever, I think because everyone felt the squeeze of mental health over the past two years of the pandemic and people just related that much more to what we are trying to do.”

Dr. Bonnie Henry, BC Provincial Health Officer, was one of many individuals compelled by the cause. She donned a red track suit and ran alongside the team through the streets of Langford to show her support.

Runner Matt Carlson from Personnel Support Programs was most impressed with the patriotic show of support for the team when they ran past Naden. CFB Esquimalt Fire and Rescue members hoisted a giant Canadian Flag over the roadway from the top of their hook and ladder trucks with the firefighters cheering them on as they passed by alongside Military Police vehicles.

“It was pretty awesome to see base firefighters out to cheer us on and to run underneath the flag as we made our way downtown,” says Carlson. “All along our route it really stuck with me the caring and understanding of everyone who decided to contribute either financially, or clapping for us as we ran through cities and towns with the key message being they will always be there for our military and first responders.”

Funds were also raised this year through a new National Virtual Run where participants could map out their own routes of varying distance. The fundraising for Wounded Warriors Run BC is still ongoing but on March 8 their total had surpassed $168,000. 

This year’s team of runners were: MS Steve Deschamps, Matt Carlson, Chief Paul Hurst, Sgt Steve Kowan, Marissa Morrison, Constable Maria Marcianno, Mike Bowen, and  Dave Nesbitt.

For more information on how to support their efforts visit: https://woundedwarriorscanada.akaraisin.com/ui/woundedwarriorsvirtualrun