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Langford helps Wounded Warriors’ Vimy ride initiative

City gets on board with Battlefield Bike Ride 2017
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Wounded Warriors Canada executive director Scott Maxwell, left, and Langford Mayor Stew Young are surrounded by participants and supporters as they unveil the jerseys riders will wear in the Wounded Warriors Canada Vimy 100 Battlefield Bike Ride in June. Rick Stiebel/News Gazette staff

By Rick Stiebel

Special to the Gazette

Wounded Warriors Canada got a subsantial financial jump start at Langford City Hall today in support of their Vimy 100 Battlefield Bike Ride 2017, which will raise money to support veterans, first responders and their families dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The ride will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which many historians cite as turning point in Canada’s birth as a nation. The ride will begin on June 9 in Canterbury, England and cover 600 miles before finishing June 17 at the Vimy Memorial in France.

Colwood resident Shari Lukens said she is honoured to be able to take part in the event.

“It’s important to continue to raise awareness about PTSD,” said Lukens, a former Colwood city councillor who lost her husband, retired RCMP Insp. Randy Hildebrandt, in a helicopter crash in 2006. “Fortunately, I’ve been able to manage my PTSD, and this gives me an opportunity to do something for others who aren’t able to do it.”

Raising awareness about PTSD is important because it affects everyone uniquely to the point that some people aren’t aware of the severity or impact it has on their lives, Lukens added.

The City of Langford, West Shore Developers Association, Turner Lane Development, Seacliff Holdings, Westhills Land Corporation, Alpine Group, Keycorp Consulting and Southpoint Partners donated a combined $10,000 to the effort to cover the cost of the jerseys to be worn by the 140 cyclists taking part.

Scott Maxwell, executive director for Wounded Warrios Canada, said the organization is grateful for the generosity and support from the City, developers and members of the business community.

“What this means for our charity is that we are able to maximize the amount of funds raised by our participants that will in turn be invested directly into our life-changing and family-saving programs that benefit ill and injured Canadian Armed Force (members), veterans, first responders and their families.”

Langford Mayor Stew Young said Canadians recognize the importance and significance of both Wounded Warriors Canada and Vimy Ridge.

“I’m proud that the City and our community partners have come together once again,” he said, adding that he is always able to call upon a dedicated group to step up for important causes. “This sponsorship means more money can be put towards (PTSD support) programs …”

Wounded Warriors Canada provides assistance nationally through such programs as COPE and Compassionate Dogs, which are specific to Vancouver Island. To make a donation to the Vimy 100 Battlefield Bike Ride, go to bbr17.ca. For more information on the organization, check out woundedwarriorscanada.ca.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com