101-year-old Canadian veteran walks to raise $101K for COVID-19 relief

May 7 2020, 1:26 am

A World War II veteran from BC who recently celebrated his 101st birthday wants to raise $101,000 for COVID-19 relief by walking 101 laps around the courtyard of his retirement home.

Originally from South Wales, UK, John Hillman fought and served with the Royal Air Force in WWII. He has also earned four WWII medals including the Burma Star.

He now lives at the Carlton House retirement residence in Oak Bay on Vancouver Island. His wife, Irene, of 78-years lives at the Glengarry Hospital located nearby.

Hillman will aim to walk five laps around the courtyard per day until he reaches his 101-lap goal to raise funds for Save the Children Canada, a charity supporting kids affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to Hillman’s fundraising page, he was inspired by his comrade-in-arms, Captain Tom Moore of England, a fellow Burma Star recipient, who raised millions for Britain’s healthcare system by walking laps in his garden.

Hillman’s daily walks are posted on the Carleton House Facebook, and 100% of the donations will go towards Save the Children Canada.

At the time of publication, Hillman already managed to reach nearly $44,000 of his $101,000 goal. Donations can be made online.

Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

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