Robert Gagnon, a correctional officer at the Prince George Correctional Centre, is about to embark on a meaningful and important mission: Gagnon is setting out to walk from Prince George to Victoria to raise funds and awareness for first responders and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Gagnon, a long-time BCGEU member and former Corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces, will commence his walk on June 28. He will walk every day, over 30 kilometres a day, for nearly one month straight until he reaches the BC Legislature in Victoria.

All monies raised will be split between an equine therapy ranch in Quesnel and the Honour Ranch in Kamloops, both of which are programs that work with first responders and veterans with PTSD.

BCGEU's Component 1 Corrections and Sheriffs executive unanimously supported a motion to support Component 1 member Gagnon on his journey. Dean Purdy, Vice President, Corrections and Sheriffs said, "I encourage our members to get out and walk to support Robert Gagnon and to raise awareness for PTSD." Purdy added, "PTSD is a very serious issue, and it's something our component feels very strongly about. The growing rate of violence and assaults on officers inside BC's correctional centres is something our members face every day, and more than 30 per cent of our officers suffer from PTSD."

Robert Gagnon's schedule:

* 01 July – Quesnel
* 04 July – Williams Lake
* 07 July – 100 Mile
* 10 July – Clinton
* 12 July – Cache Creek
* 15 July – Lytton
* 17 July – Boston Bar
* 19 July – Hope
* 20 July – Agassiz
* 22 July – Mission
* 23 July – Maple Ridge
* 24 July – Port Coquitlam/Burnaby
* 25 July – Delta

If you would like to donate to Gagnon's charity fund, click here.

Local 467/MoveUP