Unveiling The 2023 Canadian Walk For Veterans Challenge Coin

Paying tribute to the “Heroes of the Homefront”.

https://canadianwalkforveterans.com/

Everyone who registers for the Canadian Walk For Veterans will receive a 2023 Challenge Coin produced by Canadian veteran-owned Sharkz Coins based in Esquimalt BC. This years image depicts the iconic picture from the Second World War “Wait for Me, Daddy” taken by Claude P. Dettloff on October 1, 1940 of the British Columbia Regiment marching down Eighth Street at the Columbia Street intersection, New Westminster BC. On the back of the coin is the inscription “Heroes of the Homefront.”

Canadian Walk for Veterans Facebook Page

The 2023 Canadian Walk for Veterans is now just six weeks away, taking place over the weekend of September 23rd & 24th in a dozen locations across the country as well as virtually.

Since participating in my very first Walk for Veterans in Edmonton back in 2019, I have looked forward to the first week of August for the unveiling of the challenge coin on the Canadian Walk For Veterans Facebook page. I had a bit of a moment when I first looked at this year’s challenge coin, which was produced by veteran-owned Sharkz Coins of Esquimalt, British Columbia, because my grandfather appears on it.

Wait For Me Daddy.

No, my grandfather isn’t the daddy in question. That man is Jack Bernard and the boy running after him is his son Warren, who was known as Whitey. My grandfather, Rifleman Joe Bodner, is immediately behind Jack Bernard.

Heroes of the Homefront.

When a member serves in the military, the entire family serves as well. Families play a critical role in enhancing the well-being of military personnel and Veterans, particularly those with service-related health conditions. Important as they are to the well-being of military members and Veterans, the families face challenges too. Constant awareness of the potential dangers faced by their serving parent, spouse, or child, caring for members or Veterans with service-related conditions,  geographic moves and transitioning out of military life all present challenges and require sacrifices by members of military families. The 2023 Canadian Walk For Veterans pays tribute to these “Heroes of the Homefront”.

canadianwalkforveterans.com

At the time he took the shot with his camera that day, Claude Dettloff didn’t realize that the picture would later become one of history’s iconic photographs when it made the cover of Life magazine. The picture would also be used during bond drives and young Warren would become something of a celebrity as he toured the country helping to raise money for the war effort.

Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC).

Military Family Resource Centres are essentially the heart of their military communities and their goal is to build strong, resilient individuals, families and communities. Dedicated staff are frontline service providers, responsible for connecting military families to a wide range of programs and services. They understand the military lifestyle and are there to help find answers to the questions that come up as a result of military life. Dealing with difficult situations can often feel overwhelming and intimidating for the family members of those serving and whether they need advice on navigating family relationships, have questions about what to expect during military life or are seeking counseling services, the compassionate professionals at Military Family Resource Centres are there to support them in a safe environment.

This year, net proceeds from the 2023 Canadian Walk For Veterans will go toward supporting the valuable work of Military Family Resource Centers that are situated in regions where in-person events are held. However, three years of COVID-19 has taken a toll on many military, veteran and first responder organizations that rely on fundraising to continue their work of providing support through rehabilitation services and helping develop the tools needed to cope. Therefore, a portion of this year’s net proceeds will also go to those organizations that form a team and hold a Canadian Walk For Veterans event in their respective towns. Additional funds raised through national sponsorship and “virtual” registrations will be distributed to all recipient organizations on a prorated basis.

https://canadianwalkforveterans.com/register/

Walk for Veterans Locations.

The 2023 Walk for Veterans will take place in a dozen locations across Canada.

• Courtenay, B.C.
• White Rock, B.C.
• Surrey, B.C.
• Abbotsford, B.C.
• Kamloops, B.C.
• Calgary, AB
• Wetaskiwin, AB
• Saskatoon, SK
• Prince Albert, SK
• Kingston, ON
• Philipsburg, PQ
• Halifax, N.S.

Just click on the link for the city you will be walking in on the Canadian Walk for Veterans website.

You can also register to do the walk virtually wherever you are in Canada or around the world.

Registration fees.

General Admission (ages 13+): $25

Families of 4 or 5 – Parents with kids aged 13-18: $80

Cadets(Serving): $10

Issuing a challenge.

Once again I will be joined by one of my local cousins for this year’s walk along the scenic South Glenmore Park Pathway in Calgary, where last year we saw Murray Marshall whose son Steven was killed in Afghanistan on October 30th, 2009.

I would like to issue a challenge to all of my cousins wherever they are (B.C. for the most part), to sign up and participate. My kin in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland will have a few places to choose from but they can also do the walk virtually wherever they may be. This is another great opportunity for you to do something for your communities and also get a keepsake memento of this moment in family history.