10/23/2026
WHO ARE THE WOUNDED WARRIORS?
8 Days. 8 Runners. 800 Kilometres.
A Proud Branch 256 Tradition
With nearly 900 new Centenary members joining Mt. Benson Branch 256 this year, we'd like to introduce you to an extraordinary group of individuals and an organization our Branch has proudly supported for many years.
Wounded Warrior Run BC is the cause behind our largest annual fundraiser, and we want every member to understand why it means so much to us.
FIRST, WHO ARE THE WOUNDED WARRIORS?
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadian Veterans, First Responders and their families.
Military personnel, police officers, firefighters, paramedics and other First Responders can experience traumatic events throughout their careers. For some, the psychological effects of those experiences can continue long after their service has ended.
Wounded Warriors Canada provides specialized mental health programs to help individuals and families affected by trauma, post-traumatic stress and operational stress injuries.
SO, WHO ARE THE RUNNERS?
The Wounded Warrior Run BC is an annual fundraising and awareness campaign organized by a dedicated team based on Vancouver Island. The eight runners include individuals from military, policing and First Responder backgrounds, both serving and retired. Some have faced their own mental health challenges. Others run in support of colleagues, friends and loved ones who have struggled with the invisible wounds of service.
Their mission is to raise awareness, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health injuries and generate funds for programs that can make a meaningful difference.
8 DAYS. 8 RUNNERS. 800 KILOMETRES.
From February 7–14, 2027, the Wounded Warrior Run BC team will undertake an extraordinary relay-style journey down Vancouver Island. Beginning in Port Hardy, the eight runners will cover approximately 800 kilometres over eight days, finishing in Victoria.
Along the way, they visit communities, Legions and supporters, sharing their stories and raising awareness about the mental health challenges facing Veterans and First Responders.
And here's something especially important: the funds raised on Vancouver Island stay on Vancouver Island, supporting programs for people in our own communities.
WHERE DOES BRANCH 256 FIT IN?
Mt. Benson Branch 256 has proudly supported the Wounded Warrior Run BC for many years. We don't do the running — we do the fundraising! Through the generosity of our members, volunteers and Nanaimo businesses, our Branch has helped raise substantial funds for this important cause.
And over the past two years, we have achieved record-setting results!
2025 — $25,000 DONATED
2026 — $25,000 DONATED
THAT'S $50,000 IN JUST TWO YEARS!
This is our Branch's largest annual fundraiser, and one of our proudest traditions of community support.
JANUARY 9, 2027 — OUR BIG FUNDRAISING NIGHT!
We're planning a Bevy & Burger Dinner and Dance, featuring live music, silent auctions, raffles and more. This is where our members, volunteers and local businesses come together to help support the runners' fundraising mission. More event and ticket details will follow!
FEBRUARY 13, 2027 — A VERY SPECIAL EVENING
On Saturday, February 13, we will have the privilege of welcoming the Wounded Warrior Run BC team to Branch 256 for dinner as they near the end of their eight-day journey.
This is one of the most meaningful evenings on our Branch calendar. During dinner, runners share their personal stories, their experiences in military or First Responder service, and their mental health journeys. These stories can be deeply emotional, but they are also filled with courage, resilience and hope. For those who have attended in previous years, it is an evening that is not easily forgotten. The following day, the runners continue to Victoria to complete their remarkable journey.
It is during these personal moments that we truly understand why our fundraising efforts matter.
NOW WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We're forming our 2027 Wounded Warriors Fundraising Committee, and we're inviting members, especially those who have recently joined our Branch, to get involved. We need volunteers to help approach Nanaimo businesses for donations and sponsorships, gather silent auction items, organize raffles, promote the fundraiser and assist with event preparations. You don't need previous fundraising experience, and you don't need to make a major time commitment. Perhaps you have connections with local businesses, enjoy organizing events or simply have a few hours to contribute.
Every helping hand makes a difference!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN OUR COMMITTEE?
Please contact the Branch at (250) 754-8128 or email [email protected]
For more information about the runners and their mission, visit:
https://woundedwarriors.ca/bc-run-2027/
MANY YEARS OF SUPPORT.
TWO RECORD-SETTING YEARS.
ONE EXTRAORDINARY CAUSE.
Let's make 2027 another year to remember!
Royal Canadian Legion
Mt. Benson Branch 256 — Nanaimo, BC
