At 104 years old, most people might be content with taking it easy, but John Hillman is gearing up for an extraordinary feat of determination and charity.
The World War II veteran is preparing to once again undertake his annual fundraising walk around the courtyard of Carlton House in Victoria to raise money for children in need.
This year, his goal remains the same: to walk the same number of laps as his age and raise $104,000 for Save The Children Canada, which aims to provide less privileged kids with the same opportunities as others.
Hillman’s remarkable effort has been a tradition for four consecutive years, having raised an impressive $333,000 to date for various charitable child-related causes.
Last year, Hillman raised nearly $20,000 for Save The Children Canada’s fund to help children and families affected by conflict in Ukraine.
Hillman’s walk is set to begin on May 1 and will span 10 days, with 10 laps completed per day, starting at 10:30 a.m. His walk has become a beloved tradition at Carlton House, with residents, staff and supporters eagerly anticipating the event each year.
Despite his age, Hillman remains fit and healthy, a testament to his active lifestyle and positive mindset.
“At 104 years of age, I am glad to say I am still around, fit and enthusiastic,” he said in a message posted to this year’s fundraising page.
With efforts just launched Monday, Hillman’s fundraiser had only seen two donations for a total of $150 as of Monday afternoon — a long way to go to hit his goal of $104,000, but this centenarian is no stranger to accomplishing the seemingly impossible.
“I’m looking forward to my 104 trips around the Carlton House residence courtyard! Many thanks to those of you who supported the children in 2020, 2021, and 2022. I encourage you to continue your good work again in 2023”.
In addition to his charitable efforts, Hillman served in France, Italy, Africa, and Burma as a member of the British army and was awarded the Burma Star for his service.
Read previous stories about Hillman’s walks in:
2022: Oak Bay’s 103-year-old fundraising champion becomes a Canadian citizen
2021: 102-year-old John Hillman wrapping up his walking fundraiser for Save the Children
Jeff Lawrence
