101-year-old Oak Bay war veteran exceeds fundraising goal, raises $115,000 so far

A 101-year-old Oak Bay war veteran has exceeded his fundraising goal far earlier than expected.

John Hillman, a veteran of the Second World War and a Burma Star holder, has been walking five laps around his Oak Bay residence each day since May 4 in an effort to reach 101 laps and raise $101,000 for Save the Children Canada’s COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Last night, Hillman’s fundraiser exceeded its goal of $101,000.

As of Saturday morning, more than 1,500 people have donated $102,426 to the fundraiser. By Saturday evening, $115,678 had been donated.

The milestone fittingly occurred the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. It also came five days into Hillman’s campaign, which is due to end on June 30.

READ MORE: 101-year-old Oak Bay World War II veteran to raise money by walking around his courtyard 101 times

READ MORE: Oak Bay 101-year-old honoured on VE Day, nears 101-lap fundraising goal

However, Hillman said yesterday before exceeding his fundraising goal, that he would continue to walk five laps a day until he reaches 101 laps.

A veteran of the Second World War, Hillman served in the Burma Campaign. He also served in France, Italy and Africa.

Hillman currently resides at the Carlton House in Oak Bay.

His fundraiser was inspired by Capt. Tom Moore, a 99-year-old British Secord World War veteran who also served in Burma. Moore raised more than £32 million after he began walking around the garden of his home in an effort to raise money for Britain’s healthcare system workers.

Donations to John Hillman’s campaign for Save the Children Canada can be made here.

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