WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The first leg of a four-day, 160-kilometre journey ended in Cobden around 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13.
The men walking are part of Ruck 2 Remember, a walk from the Petawawa Legion to the Kanata Legion to raise money to get homeless veterans off the streets. The participants were Lino Dijulio who founded the walk five years ago, Natha Desborough, Dave Merriott, Sebastien Chartrand, Eric Villeneuve and Noel Gracie. Mr. Chartrand and Mr. Villeneuve were participating for the first time.
On arrival at the Cobden Legion, which was by a fire truck escort, the men were greeted by applause, and once inside, were provided with containers of warm water to soak their tired feet.
“It was a good walk,” said Mr. Villeneuve, adding, “My feet are sore.”
But, he wasn’t alone. There were a few ahhhhs from the men as they removed boots or shoes and their socks, dipping their feet into the warm water.
They had begun their walk at 9 a.m. from the Petawawa Legion, traversing along Hwy. 17 for most of their venture.
Mr. Villeneuve was in the military, having done overseas tours, and participated in rucks, so was familiar with how far he would have to walk.
When he met Mr. Dijulio he asked if he could participate, and was greeted with a sure. Prior to Day 1, they each practised walking, knowing 40 kilometres a day was the distance. But, there was also the gym to build up muscle.
Last year, the Ruck 2 Remember raised $24,000 and Mr. Dijulio is hopeful it will raise $30,000 this year. He said donations collected by Day One was $10,000, with the other $20,000 to be raised over three days.
While at the Cobden Legion, vice-president Wayne Bennett handed them a $1,500 cheque on behalf of the Cobden Legion. They were also joined by a few people as they enjoyed bowls of chili and a few Legion Lagers, a brew created by the Whitewater Brewery.
The participants were provided with a comfortable bed while staying at 17 West Motel Thursday night before hitting the road again at 8 a.m. Friday. They hoped to be in Renfrew by 5 p.m. The next stop was Arnprior on Saturday and Kanata by Sunday.
As of today, Thursday, Sept. 20, the Ruck 2 Remember has raised just over $20,000.
