Peterborough resident Rebecca Schillemat is participating in the Wounded Warrior One Day Run in Victoria, B.C. on Feb. 5.
The one day, 58 kilometre run from Sooke to Sidney crosses the northern boarder of Victoria on Vancouver Island. This run is two weeks before the main running event, which is eight days and 600 kilometres from Port Hardy in the north to Victoria at the southern end of Vancouver Island.
The relay-style run is done with a team of military and first responders from Vancouver Island. In 2020, Schillemat participated in the 8-day charity running event to raise awareness of the mental health struggles of military spouses.
The Wounded Warriors Canada run began when Afghanistan veterans felt the need to talk about mental health and make a difference, and this year is the 10th anniversary of the British Columbia run.
Last year the run raised over $165,000 for programs and training to support the mental health of first responders, military and their families. The 2023 Run goal is $250,000.
To donate or learn more about the event, visit the Wounded Warriors website.