One of Vancouver Island’s most recognizable centenarians has begun his latest fundraising mission — this time for Ukraine.
Surrounded by family, friends and a crowd of supporters, 103-year-old John Hillman completed the first of 103 planned laps around the courtyard of his home, the Carlton House, in Oak Bay on a rainy Monday morning.
“The walk was wet but I don’t mind. I’ve been in worse weather than that during my service in the wartime,” he said Monday, later adding. “I was delighted with the attendance of the people who’ve come along to support my cause and that is the main thing, support the cause and providing us with some funds that can go help those children in Ukraine.”
Over the next 10 days, the Second World War veteran will walk 10 laps around the courtyard at 10:30 a.m. in an effort to raise $103,000 for Save the Children Canada’s fund to help children and families affected by conflict in Ukraine. He’s already managed to raise nearly $20,000 as of Monday morning.
“That really touched my heart to see those kids being herded away from their homes — and without any hope of going back. It only amplified my desire to help.”
RELATED: Oak Bay World War II veteran to raise money by walking around his courtyard 101 times
An estimated 4.8 million children in Ukraine have been displaced since Russia launched its wide-scale invasion on Feb. 24, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees. Ukrainian officials also believe Russia has taken more than 121,000 children out of the country against their will. There have also been growing reports of sexual violence and other horrific acts committed against children in Ukraine.
“The things that they put these kids through, I’ve made it a cause of my own,” said Hillman. “I want to see those kids back in their homes and an end to the conflict.”
The 103-year-old is a Burma Star holder who served in France, Italy, Africa, and Burma as a member of the British army. Among Hillman’s extensive military medals is the oak leaf, meaning he was “mentioned in dispatches.”
“I saw enough war … I know what war is all about and I know what those kids will be facing because I was only 18 when I went myself,” he said.
MORE: The children who survived Bucha’s horror
Hillman is no stranger to walking around the Carlton House courtyard for a good cause. In 2020, he gained popularity when he walked 101 laps for his 101st birthday, raising over $160,000 for Save the Children Canada and far surpassing his goal of $101,000. He took to the courtyard again in 2021, walking 102 laps during the height of a searing heatwave all while mourning the loss of his wife to raise even more money.
Asked what the thinks about when he is out walking, Hillman said he focuses on “getting it done.”
“I just think about walking and getting it done. I keep a nice pace going,” he said.
To donate, visit Hillman’s fundraising page by clicking here.
With files from Cole Sorenson and The Associated Press
Nicholas Pescod
