A small group set out from Legion Branch 290 in Tobermory on July 5 on a 900-kilometre trek along the entire length of the Bruce Trail to raise money for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The two-month ruck will end this Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Bruce Trail southern terminus cairn at Queenston Heights.

Participants are expected to arrive around 4 p.m. and will be greeted by Legion members from all over the province.

There will be a reception at Legion Branch 124 in NOTL at 5 p.m. Lord Mayor Betty Disero, MP Tony Baldinelli and MPP Wayne Gates will be in attendance. 

As of Wednesday, $168,785 had been raised. The group hopes to raise $500,000. Donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/road-to-recovery-9-ruck-the-bruce.

The yearly event is run by the organization Ruck to Remember and is known as the Road to Recovery.

“Ruck to Remember is an organization that serves as a tribute and support to those who have served as a front-line responder or military in the present, past and future,” the organization’s website says.

“Road to Recovery covers roughly two kilometres for each military, police, paramedic and firefighter lost the year before. Typically this results in around 150 to 160 kilometres.”

But this year the organization has opted to march the entire Bruce Trail.

“The last year has seen exceedingly difficult times for the military and law enforcement and we thought it was prudent to reflect that in our event.”

Money raised will go toward the Royal Canadian Legion’s Operation: Leave the Streets Behind program.

“Leave the Streets Behind is the Legion’s national homeless veterans program that started out of Ontario Command,” according to the Legion’s website.

“The program’s mission is to reach out to homeless veterans and those at-risk of homelessness and provide them with immediate financial assistance and support. It also connects them with social and community services to establish a long term solution to meet their needs.”

Organizers encouraged people to come out to Queenston Heights and the NOTL Legion branch on Sunday to open their hearts and wallets in support of Canadian veterans and service people.