MEET MARC BURCHELL
In 2018, Marc founded the Canadian Walk For Veterans. Every September, from Courtenay to Halifax, Canadians stand shoulder to shoulder to honour and remember the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for us.
My father was in military intelligence in World War 2; he was part of the liberation of Holland and on the front lines in Germany. I also have a friend who was severely injured in Afghanistan: a mine detonated and drove quarter-sized shrapnel into his body, taking out a number of his major organs. He came home to find out that his compensation was pathetic: a lump sum of $20,000. If you slip on the floor at a grocery store, you could qualify for a lot more!
Veterans need our help because safety nets are inadequate. We have Veterans to thank for living in the greatest country in the world, with the greatest freedoms. And we also must remember that when someone enlists, the whole family enlists with them. Every dollar raised from the walk supports military members, families and Veterans, right now.
It’s thrilling that True Patriot Love will be taking on the Canadian Walk For Veterans going forward. It’s a warm and wonderful feeling in my heart to know that the legacy of what we started is in the hands of the right people who share our values. True Patriot Love lives their values every day, including continuing our commitment to working with and supporting Veteran-owned businesses like the creators of our exclusive and limited-edition annual challenge coin.
About Marc
The son of a Second World War veteran, Marc Burchell spent over 40 years working in the retail fashion industry, ending up as a partner in Suzanne’s, a chain of 52 women’s fashion stores across western Canada. Over the past 15 years he has been very active in his community as a member of the White Rock (BC) Economic Development Committee, and as a volunteer consultant for White Rock-South Surrey Hospice Society and the Peach Arch Hospital Auxiliary Society. Marc is past-president of Equitas Disabled Soldiers Funding Society and is Founding Director and President of the Surrey-White Rock Community Engagement Society. Marc currently lives in South Surrey BC with his wife Dodi and has two sons and four grandchildren.
Mark is proudly carrying on his support of the Walks as part of the CWFV Advisory Committee and in local Walk coordination. Read the Surrey Now-Leader’s coverage of the 2024 White Rock Walk he organized here.
