A beautiful autumn morning greeted Durval Terceira, Local Union Co-ordinator for Local 1030, as he set out this past Saturday for the annual fundraising walk to support Renos for Heroes (R4H). Despite event organizers having to move the event to a virtual format for the second year due to the pandemic, it did not deter his commitment to support Canada’s military veterans on behalf of the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario.

This was the ninth year Terceira participated in the event which raises funds for R4H, a non-profit foundation, founded in 2009, that provides building and support services to improve the lives of Canada’s injured soldiers. On September 25, Terceira, surrounded by a group of supporters, kicked off his 20km walk from the Carpenters’ Union Hall on Roundtree Dairy Rd., in Woodbridge, Ontario.

Prior to setting out on his journey, Terceira told the Corriere, “we have raised $85,000 so far and with commitments for another $35,000, we are confident we will meet our goal of $100,000”. Including the last eight years of his commitment to the cause, he has walked over 1,200 km and has raised more than $600,000. “It is a token of appreciation for what the Veterans have done for all of us”, he added.

Due to current pandemic restrictions, the annual event was scaled back to a one-day walk. Typically, he would cover a distance of 150-200 km, over a period of 5-6 days, taking him from Oshawa to Parliament Hill in Ottawa, fundraising and drawing awareness to the cause along the way. “Hopefully next year, we can get back on the road on a grandeur scale to spread more awareness to a worthy cause”.

The funds raised are directed towards wounded soldiers while providing the necessary support to help make vital changes to their homes, making them more accessible. Such modifications can be costly, explained Terceira. He is grateful to all the supporters who donate funds, labour, tools and materials to the R4H program that assists those soldiers in need.

The R4H initiative aims to minimize the expense of renovations for qualifying soldiers, thereby reducing their stress and helping them regain full mobility in their homes which enable them to live more independent lives. For more information on ways to support veterans, visit renosforheroes.org.

The Carpenters’ Union is committed to supporting Canada’s veterans in various ways, including the Helmets to Hardhats initiative, a non-profit program which assists active and veteran military service members transition to quality career opportunities in the construction industry.

Photo credit: Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario and Renos for Heroes