Latest news with #HomesforHeroes
Hamilton Spectator
27-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Belle River Stop Part of Veteran's 800-KM Walk to Raise Awareness for Homeless Heroes
Ken MacKay, a retired military man from Port Dover, is walking more than 800 kilometres from Windsor to Ottawa to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans across Canada—and his trek included a meaningful stop in Belle River. MacKay's journey, called 'Trek4Vets,' is in support of Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit that builds tiny home villages and provides support services for veterans in need. 'This is a partnership with an organization named Homes for Heroes,' explained MacKay. 'They build villages with tiny homes and offer wraparound support for military veterans. I'm raising funds and awareness for our homeless veterans.' Estimates suggest that between 2,500 and 10,000 Canadian veterans are currently homeless—a number MacKay believes could be higher. 'Veterans are proud. Many won't ask for help. A lot of them are couch-surfing, living in vehicles or worse,' he said. 'If I don't speak up, who will?' At 65 years old, MacKay is no stranger to long-distance treks—he's completed two pilgrimages in Europe—but this journey will be his longest yet. The walk is expected to take 42 days, with MacKay traveling six days a week and taking one day for rest and laundry. While passing through Belle River, MacKay was hosted by local Legion president Richard Brooks. Support from Legions along the route has been crucial. 'There's a Legion every 25 kilometres or so. That's made it all possible,' said MacKay. MacKay's military career began at 18 with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He later served nine years as a reservist with the 48th Highlanders and now acts as Sergeant-at-Arms for his local Legion in Port Dover, where a community BBQ helped raise $10,000 before his departure. So far, MacKay has raised nearly $40,000 and has received donations—and hospitality—from people all across the province. 'Last week I stopped at a cheese factory outside of Kitchener,' he laughed. 'The people were so kind. They gave me some of their products, though I could only carry a small amount in my pack.' Despite unpredictable weather and physical toll, MacKay remains optimistic and committed. 'I like walking solo,' he said. 'It's meditative. It gives me time to reflect and focus on what this journey is really about.' Homes for Heroes currently operates in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kingston, with plans to expand to Winnipeg and London, Ont. Anyone wishing to support MacKay's cause can donate at:
Hamilton Spectator
26-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Trek for Vets: MacKay Walks Through Tilbury on 800-KM Journey to Support Homeless Veterans
A retired military man has taken up the cause to assist fellow homeless veterans. Ken MacKay, of Port Dover is walking over 800 kms from Windsor to Ottawa as part of his 'Trek 4 Vets' project. He is hoping to raise funds to assist those in need. 'This is a partnership with an organization named Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit that builds villages with tiny homes and support services for military veterans,' he explained. 'So, I'm raising funds and awareness for our homeless veterans. MacKay estimates that there are anywhere from 2,500 to 10,000 homeless veterans across Canada. 'There could be more because veterans are very proud and they don't want to ask for help,' MacKay said. 'So, a lot of them couch surf and go from place to place. It takes them a lot to ask for help.' MacKay, 65, joined Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry when he was 18 and served for three years. Later, he spent nine years as a reservist with the 48th Highlanders. Homes for Heroes has established villages in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kingston, Ont., with expansion planned for Winnipeg and London. 'Through relationships I've established with other vets I've seen first- hand many suffering from PTSD and struggling with addiction and trauma because of the sacrifices they made,' he added. 'Those who did go overseas and were in combat or have seen horrible things. They're affected. Many are living on the streets, and I don't think our government is doing enough to help them. They sacrificed a lot and some of them are being forgotten.' The journey required plenty of strategic planning and says with the help of legions and members across the province have been paramount to the success of the trip. According to his plan the trek will take 42 days. 'With the help of his support team, we were able to figure out that there are legions approximately every 25 kms along the route,' he said. 'I've been very fortunate to find plenty of people willing to assist and put me up for the night.' While in Belle River, he stayed with Legion president Richard Brooks. MacKay now serves as sergeant at arms at his local legion in Port Dover, where the organization held a BBQ to send him on his way and raising $10,000. With a solid pair of walking shoes and a backpack containing only the essentials, he took the train to Windsor on April 26 Upon Leaving Windsor, he made stops in Belle River, Tilbury and Chatham Kent. MacKay is no stranger to long treks, but he admits this will be the longest walk he's ever attempted. MacKay says that he has done two 'Caminos' – mountain pilgrimages in Spain and Portugal that are hundreds of kilometres long. The walk will be no easy feat, given the unpredictable weather. He will walk six days out of the week, allowing one day to do laundry and rest his body. 'I like walking solo…it's a form of meditation for me, I like having not to think about anything in particular,' he laughed. He is halfway to his goal when the Lakeshore News caught up with him just outside of Toronto last week. 'Things have been going really well,' MacKay said. 'The weather has been co operating and I've met some great people along the way.' To date, he has raised just under $40,000. 'Last week, I stopped at a cheese factory outside of Kitchener, the people were so nice…they gave me a bunch of their product, however I was only to keep a small bit as it would go bad…along the way people have been so generous.'
CTV News
02-05-2025
- CTV News
‘This is nothing. I'm walking. Nobody's shooting at me': Port Dover, Ont. man walking 800 kilometres for homeless veterans
Ken MacKay seen in London, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) A Port Dover veteran has arrived in London as he continues a charity walk to support homeless veterans. A poster strapped to Ken MacKay's backpack outlines his path from Windsor, Ont. to Ottawa, Ont. It is a daunting trek for most, but not for MacKay, who regularly hikes European mountains. Ken MacKay walk for homeless veterans Ken MacKay seen with the poster on his back, outlining his mission. He is seen in London, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) 'This is a cakewalk compared to the mountains of Spain. Those were goat trails. Southern Ontario is pretty flat,' he told CTV News London during a brief stop. Mackay, a veteran himself, feels a 'pull' to support those battling post-traumatic stress. 'I didn't go overseas. I didn't see anything horrific. But I know guys and gals who have, and I want to do something for them,' he said. A Sergeant-at-Arms at his local legion, he mapped out his 800-kilometre path after hearing of the struggles of some of those who faced combat in Afghanistan and Bosnia. 'And those memories don't go away,' said MacKay. 'They still get those nightmares. And it's sad.' At his current place, MacKay is travelling about 25 kilometres per day. He hopes to arrive in Ottawa by June 4. He is raising funds for Homes for Heroes. It builds communities for struggling veterans. A project in London is on its list. With many stops, MacKay's walk has already raised $30,000. His goal is $250,000. Ken MacKay walk for homeless veterans Ken MacKay seen in London, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London) At 65, he is up for the task, agreeing that another man, familiar to CTV London viewers, led the way. The late Tom Hennessey walked 100 kilometres at 100 years of age for the same cause. 'I do get inspiration from people who have done this before me, like Tom. So maybe somebody will pick it up after me,' he said. Still, MacKay gets his greatest inspiration from those he's walking for. 'This is nothing. I'm walking. Nobody's shooting at me. Nobody's trying to kill me.'
Associated Press
09-02-2025
- Associated Press
Campaign Launched to Support the Last Two Survivors of Black Wall Street with Homes for Heroes Initiative
Campaign Launched to Support the Last Two Survivors of Black Wall Street with Homes for Heroes Initiative '"Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle have witnessed so much pain and loss, yet they continue to demonstrate an unparalleled strength and is time for us to show up for them ....' — Paul Randall TULSA, OK, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2025 / / -- In an effort to honor and support Viola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, 110, the last two remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a new fundraising campaign titled Homes for Heroes has been launched. This initiative aims to raise $1.5 million to provide safe, comfortable homes and ongoing support services for these two extraordinary women who endured unimaginable trauma and loss as children during the massacre that destroyed Black Wall Street. The campaign seeks to provide two homes—one for each survivor—along with vital ongoing support services such as healthcare, personal care, and education. With this effort, we not only acknowledge their resilience but also honor their place in our shared history. The $1.5 million goal will be broken down into: $1,000,000 for the purchase of two homes, one for each survivor and their families. $300,000 for ongoing support services, including healthcare and personal care. $100,000 for educational initiatives and historical preservation efforts related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. $100,000 as a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. The Homes for Heroes campaign has gained momentum as an essential step toward repairing the historical injustices suffered by the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, which decimated the vibrant Black community of Greenwood and left its residents displaced and broken. By coming together, we can offer these remarkable women a peaceful, dignified space in which to spend their remaining years. 'Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle have witnessed so much pain and loss, yet they continue to demonstrate an unparalleled strength and resilience. It is time for us to show up for them as they showed up for so many others. By helping provide them with safe homes, we are not only offering them comfort and peace but also making a statement of solidarity and justice,' said Paul Randall . How You Can Help: Donate: Your financial contribution will directly impact the lives of Viola and Lessie by providing them with safe, stable homes and the support they need. Share: Spread the word about this campaign and encourage others to join in this historic effort to right a wrong and support these women. Volunteer: If you're able to donate your time and skills, we welcome your support as we work to make this vision a reality. Timeline for the Campaign: Month 1-2: Fundraising efforts and purchase of the homes. Month 3 and beyond: Ongoing maintenance and support for the survivors, along with educational initiatives and preservation of the history of Black Wall Street. This campaign represents more than just providing homes for Viola and Lessie—it's a step toward healing and justice for the community of Black Wall Street. By contributing, sharing, and volunteering, you can help change the lives of these incredible survivors. Join us in this critical effort. Let's come together to honor the resilience and strength of Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle. With your support, we can give them the dignity, comfort, and security they deserve. For more information and to donate please visit our website: and About the Tulsa Race Massacre: The Tulsa Race Massacre, which occurred in 1921, resulted in the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, leaving hundreds of Black residents dead and thousands more displaced. The massacre has long been overlooked in mainstream history, but in recent years, there has been growing recognition of the need for reparations and justice for the victims and their descendants. The campaign Homes for Heroes is part of ongoing efforts to honor and support survivors and their families. +1 305-988-9308 X Instagram YouTube TikTok Other Legal Disclaimer:
