'Walk of Gratitude': 100-year-old veteran in London, Ont. completes 100 mile walk for homeless vets
With his wife Joyce on his arm, Tom Hennessy left Victoria Park in London, Ont. to complete his 100-mile walk to raise money for homeless veterans.
“I exercise everyday, so I feel great right now,” said Hennessy, who was originally going to walk 100 kilometres, but changed it to a 100 mile walk.
Hennessy served in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He flew 200 hours in the famed marine Spitifire fighter over the combat theatres of the North Atlantic, England, Mediterranean and Italy.
Seventy to 80 years later, Hennessy decided to start walking to raise funds for homeless veterans.
Standing in front of the cenotaph at Victoria Park, he is thrilled that his campaign has surpassed $25,000.
“The fundraising is still going until November so people can still contribute,” said Hennessy. “I thank everybody who has helped. It’s a walk for a gratitude for this country, for what we have, and for the people that are here. It's saying thank you to veterans.”
Randy Warden, a Zone Commander with the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) said Tom’s “selfless act” will aid many young veterans in dire need.
“The homeless veteran problem is perpetual, it’s ongoing. If we had every veteran off the street today, someone is going to run into challenges tomorrow,” Warden said.
Bruce Stock, a veteran and RCL member, helped Tom with the 100-mile walk.
“I think we all agree the public is ready for some good news, and Tom Hennessy’s Walk of Gratitude is good news in spades,” he explained.
It is fitting that the walk wrapped up on Canada Day, as Hennessy raved about his country.
“Canada Day is a day that I am so proud and lucky to be a Canadian,” he said. “It’s so safe, and this country is a jewel in the world. We have our problems, sure we do, but we work together. So that's what this is about, a walk of gratitude.”
He added he is unsure whether he’ll keep walking.
“This is enough for now,” Hennessy joked.
— With files from CTV News London's Sean Irvine
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.