The second annual Wounded Warrior run is coming through the area this weekend with stops at all three Legions.
"The whole point is to raise awareness about PTSD and its prevalence in first-response work," co-founder Allan Kobayashi, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces told The NEWS last year, admitting he battles post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kobayashi said he nearly lost his family due to the debilitating mental illness, and he is thankful for the help of PTSD-related programs, pointing out that it can be very lonely and crippling.
While they are raising money for PTSD and other programs to help those injured, organizers say it is just as important to get the message out that there is help available.
Co-founder Dan Bodden has said talking about PTSD it is an important and long overdue issue.
Six people will run 600 km down Vancouver Island from Port Hardy to Victoria over six days to raise awareness and funds for the national Wounded Warriors non-profit organization which helps Canadian Forces members who have been wounded in service.
Starting Feb. 14, the public is invited to meet the runners at stops in each community down the Island, including stops next Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Bowser Legion (9 a.m.), Qualicum Beach Legion (1 p.m.) and Parksville Legion
(2 p.m.) with snacks and a chance to talk.
The event is open to everyone and the public is encouraged to come out and support participants.
For more information or to donate visit: http://woundedwarriorrunbc.com