Two days of running from Port Hardy to Campbell River did nothing to wipe the smiles from the faces of a half-dozen Canadian Forces members and veterans as they arrived Monday at Campbell River’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 137.
A $1,000 donation from the Legion and the Branch 137 Legion Auxiliary didn’t hurt, either.
The second annual Wounded Warrior Run BC seeks to raise awareness of — and funding for — post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental conditions faced by veterans returning from combat operations.
Calling PTSD an “invisible injury”, the organization hopes to help both sufferers and their friends and loved ones recognize the symptoms and provide support and treatment in battling its effects.
The six relay runners and their support team are traveling from Port Hardy, where the run kicked off Sunday morning, to Victoria in six days. After being feted with dinner and the cheque presentation at the Campbell River Legion hall Monday, the group spent the evening in town before departing for Comox Tuesday morning from Serious Coffee in Willow Point.
While the run from Port Hardy to Campbell River was marked by vast open stretches, the rest of the trip will involve more stops, including both Legion halls and CFB Comox in the Comox Valley.
“The energy was fantastic in the isolated communities,” said Ron Mireau, the run coordinator. “Sayward was amazing, the support we got. From now on we’ll be real busy, with lots of people and lots of stops.”
Donations can be made at any Serious Coffee shop or Island Savings Credit Union branch, online at www.woundedwarriorrunbc.com, or to the runners’ support crews along the route.