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103-year-old hits halfway mark in Oak Bay walk for Save the Children

Veteran John Hillman plans to finish fundraiser Friday
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A kindergarten class from St. Christopher’s Montessori walks with John Hillman on May 3 in his fundraiser for Save the Children. (Courtesy Carlton House)

John Hillman invited children to walk and walk they did. The kindergarten class of St. Christopher Montessori joined Hillman in laps of the courtyard at his Oak Bay home on May 3.

The Oak Bay centenarian raised $15,000 for Save the Children before he even took his first step May 2.

The 103-year-old hit the walk’s halfway mark May 9, tallying $56,207 of his $103,000 goal as of Monday morning.

READ ALSO: Downpour doesn’t dampen Oak Bay veteran’s spirit as 103-year-old walks to Save the Children

The Second World War veteran raised a combined total of $215,000 doing 101 laps in 2020 and 102 laps in 2021 – inspired by fellow British veteran, the late Capt. Tom Moore, who raised funds walking laps at his UK residence in 2020. After learning Moore died in February 2021, Hillman repeated the event. Moore, and the children, particularly those living in Ukraine, continue to be his inspiration.

A schedule of guest walkers this week includes Oak Bay police and Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes on Monday (May 9), Glenlyon-Norfolk School Grade 3 class on Tuesday, Oak Bay High marching band on Wednesday, military guests on Thursday. MLA Murray Rankin plans to walk with Hillman on Friday (May 13), alongside the return of bagpiper Melville Johnson and music by Stephanie Greaves. Hillman expects to finish his 103 laps that day.

READ ALSO: 103-year-old Oak Bay veteran invites youth to join Save the Children fundraiser

Spectators are welcome as Hillman walks 10 laps a day starting at 10:30 each morning in the courtyard of his home at Carlton House, 2080 Oak Bay Ave.

Donate to the cause here.

c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca


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