‘This is nothing. I'm walking. Nobody's shooting at me': Port Dover, Ont. man walking 800 kilometres for homeless veterans
A Port Dover veteran has arrived in London as he continues a charity walk to support homeless veterans.
A poster strapped to Ken MacKay's backpack outlines his path from Windsor, Ont. to Ottawa, Ont.
It is a daunting trek for most, but not for MacKay, who regularly hikes European mountains.
Ken MacKay walk for homeless veterans
Ken MacKay seen with the poster on his back, outlining his mission. He is seen in London, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
'This is a cakewalk compared to the mountains of Spain. Those were goat trails. Southern Ontario is pretty flat,' he told CTV News London during a brief stop.
Mackay, a veteran himself, feels a 'pull' to support those battling post-traumatic stress.
'I didn't go overseas. I didn't see anything horrific. But I know guys and gals who have, and I want to do something for them,' he said.
A Sergeant-at-Arms at his local legion, he mapped out his 800-kilometre path after hearing of the struggles of some of those who faced combat in Afghanistan and Bosnia.
'And those memories don't go away,' said MacKay.
'They still get those nightmares. And it's sad.'
At his current place, MacKay is travelling about 25 kilometres per day. He hopes to arrive in Ottawa by June 4.
He is raising funds for Homes for Heroes. It builds communities for struggling veterans. A project in London is on its list.
With many stops, MacKay's walk has already raised $30,000. His goal is $250,000.
Ken MacKay walk for homeless veterans
Ken MacKay seen in London, Ont. on May 2, 2025. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)
At 65, he is up for the task, agreeing that another man, familiar to CTV London viewers, led the way.
The late Tom Hennessey walked 100 kilometres at 100 years of age for the same cause.
'I do get inspiration from people who have done this before me, like Tom. So maybe somebody will pick it up after me,' he said.
Still, MacKay gets his greatest inspiration from those he's walking for.
'This is nothing. I'm walking. Nobody's shooting at me. Nobody's trying to kill me.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
5 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Strike by French air traffic controllers disrupts summer travel
Paris (AFP) — French air traffic controllers launched a two-day strike on Thursday to demand better working conditions, disrupting travel for tens of thousands of people at the start of a summer holiday season. The DGAC civil aviation authority has asked airlines to cancel some of their flights to ensure there are enough controllers on duty. The strike affected air traffic across Western Europe. Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, said on Thursday it was forced to cancel 170 flights, affecting 30,000 passengers. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Once again, European families are being held hostage by French air traffic controllers,' said Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary. The Airlines for Europe association, which includes Ryanair, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways and EasyJet, described the action as 'intolerable'. According to sources familiar with the matter, 270 air traffic controllers out of a total workforce of around 1,400 went on strike. UNSA-ICNA, the second biggest labour group in the sector, launched the action to demand better working conditions and more staff. It was joined by the third largest union, USAC-CGT. Shortly after 10 am on Thursday, flights were experiencing significant delays, including an average of 1.5 hours for arrivals and 1 hour for departures in Nice, France's third-largest airport. A quarter of flights departing from or arriving at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly have also been cancelled. Airports in the south were particularly hit. In addition to Nice, 30 percent of flights have been cancelled in cities including Lyon, Marseille, and Montpellier. On the eve of the school holidays on Friday, the situation is expected to become even more tense at Paris airports and Beauvais, where the DGAC has ordered a 40-percent reduction in the number of flights. On Thursday morning, the Eurocontrol monitoring agency warned airlines of 'significant' delays in the airspace managed by the air traffic control centres in Marseille, Brest and Reims. Sources said that business aviation, particularly in Nice and Le Bourget near Paris, has also been significantly affected. France's transport minister called the unions' demands unacceptable. 'The demands made by minority unions are unacceptable, as is the decision to hold this strike at the start of the holiday season,' Philippe Tabarot said on Wednesday.
Cision Canada
5 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Ontario Emerges as Top Destination for European Travellers Français
New study shows more than half are considering a trip to Ontario, with strong interest in visiting Toronto as a FIFA World Cup host city TORONTO, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - European travellers are showing strong interest in Ontario as a destination of choice. According to a new Europe Pulse Study conducted by Context Research Group (CRG) on behalf of Destination Ontario and Destination Toronto, more than half of leisure travellers from the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany and France are considering a trip to Ontario in the next two years, with Canada seen as culturally and experientially distinct from the United States (U.S.). This marks Destination Ontario's first research project that examines new travel segments, including Outdoor Explorers, Refined Globetrotters, Culture Seekers and City Trippers. The research explores how global events are shaping traveller perceptions, how Canada is viewed as distinct from the United States and where Ontario can tailor its international marketing to align with shifting consumer sentiment. It complements Destination Ontario's ongoing U.S. and domestic research efforts that guide the organization's strategic marketing. Within the broader appeal of Ontario, Toronto is in the spotlight as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026. Half of surveyed European travellers are considering a trip to Toronto within the next two years. Among those likely to visit Toronto, Canada is overwhelmingly seen as a safe, inclusive and exciting destination with much to offer. Nearly one-third expressed specific interest in visiting Toronto for the World Cup. Top Study Findings: 54 per cent of travellers from the U.K., Germany and France are likely to consider a leisure trip to Ontario in the next two years with 50 per cent considering Toronto. Awareness of Ontario is solid, with 92 per cent of travellers from the U.K., Germany and France aware of the province. Canada stands apart: 87 per cent say Canada is appealing enough to visit on its own and not just as part of a North American trip and 62 per cent agree that the current political climate in the U.S. makes them less likely to want to travel to the U.S. Ontario and Toronto outperform leading long-haul destinations like Australia and Japan. 32 per cent express interest in visiting Toronto for the FIFA World Cup, with U.K. respondents being the most likely (41 per cent). Read the full study here: Europe Pulse Study Quotes: "European travellers are telling us that Ontario is more than a destination—it reflects the shared values of safety, inclusivity and authenticity that resonate deeply with today's global travellers. This first-of-its-kind study gives us valuable insight into how Ontario is perceived internationally and strengthens our ability to connect with the people most inspired to visit." - Vincenza Ronaldi, President & CEO, Destination Ontario "The Europe Pulse Study confirms Toronto's appeal among European travellers as a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich destination—with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 offering added motivation for some. As part of our commitment to driving growth from diversified markets, we recently established new offices in the U.K. and Germany. The study offers valuable insight into how Toronto is perceived across the region, helping to inform and contextualize our efforts in these key markets." - Andrew Weir, President & CEO, Destination Toronto "With the variety and breadth of premier experiences we have on offer in Ontario, it's no surprise that more and more international tourists are looking to our province for their next vacation. Ontario provides a safe, welcoming environment where you can explore world wonders, world-class hospitality and unmatched beauty. As international travellers seek new destinations abroad, Ontario is ready to welcome the globe and showcase the people, places and experiences that make our province so special." - Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming "Ontario is thrilled to welcome people from around the world for the FIFA World Cup. This once-in-a-lifetime event is already attracting strong interest from European fans eager to experience the matches here. As the biggest sporting event on the planet, the World Cup brings people together and shines a spotlight on Ontario as a fun, welcoming and world-class place to visit. We look forward to welcoming fans from Europe and across the globe to be part of this unforgettable moment." - Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport About Destination Ontario Destination Ontario is the tourism marketing agency for the province of Ontario, dedicated to inspiring travel to and within the province through innovative marketing strategies and partnerships. Through compelling storytelling and strategic promotion, Destination Ontario showcases the best of Ontario's destinations, attractions and experiences to domestic and international travellers. For more information, please visit About Destination Toronto Toronto's visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Destination Toronto's purpose is to ignite the city's visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Cision Canada
Trip.com Group Pioneers a Greener, More Inclusive Global Travel Ecosystem in 2024 Sustainability Report
Group launches new full-scale carbon emissions data feature across transport modes Country Retreats Programme expands to more global destinations, driving rural development Championing greater inclusion in the workplace SINGAPORE, July 1, 2025 /CNW/ -- Group, a leading global travel service provider, has released its latest Sustainability Report. The report highlights the company's significant progress in sustainability, centred around its "Friendly Four" framework - Stakeholder-Friendly, Community-Friendly, Family-Friendly, and Environmentally-Friendly. It captures key highlights of the Group's efforts to advance a more sustainable and inclusive future through innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth. Comprehensive carbon emissions data launched across transport and accommodation modes As part of its commitment to making sustainable travel accessible, Group has launched a new feature that offers quantified carbon emissions data across all major transportation services - including flights, car rentals, airport transfers, and trains (European trains). With the support of the Association of Car Rental Industry System Standards (ACRISS), users can now view tailpipe CO₂ emission data for car rental listings and compare the emissions of electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicles. A similar informative function for airport transfers further empowers travellers to be informed with greener mobility choices across every leg of their journey. The Group's wider environmental efforts continue to scale. In 2024 alone, the Group has encouraged travellers to place over 100 million orders on more sustainable travel products. Solar panel installations at the Group's headquarters and rural retreats generated 457 MWh of clean electricity, offsetting more than 245 tons of CO₂ emissions. Additionally, Group increased its use of green electricity in leased data centres to 42.6%, underscoring its commitment to long-term decarbonisation and its 2050 carbon neutrality goal. Additionally, for the first time, the Group's report includes all categories from Scope 3 carbon emissions - covering sources such as leased data centres and business travel, to support more comprehensive tracking and target-setting in line with group's carbon neutrality target by 2050. Country Retreat Programme expands to more global destinations Group continued to make meaningful contributions to rural development and public safety through tourism. Its flagship Country Retreat Programme expanded to 34 sites, generating more than 40,000 indirect job opportunities. Over 80% of employees at these retreats are local residents, and participating villages reported an average rise in per capita income of USD 5,500. This year, the programme will expand to more global destinations. Additional childcare leave days, subsidies, and gender equity anchor Group's family-first culture Group has also strengthened its position as a leading family-friendly workplace. Women now account for 57.1% of its global workforce, with representation at senior and middle management levels reaching 32.7% and 43% respectively, and over 61.2% at entry-levels. The Group's hybrid work programme, launched in 2022, has been used over 630,000 times by employees, saving an estimated 1.25 million commuting hours and enhancing work-life flexibility. As part of its efforts to support families, the Group also provided an additional three days of childcare leave starting April this year to help working parents better balance personal and professional responsibilities. In addition, the group has enhanced its benefits for female employees seeking assisted reproductive medical services. Apart from egg freezing, eligible staff can receive a higher amount of subsidy of up to $20,900 USD for in vitro fertilisation. Meanwhile, the childcare subsidy programme, introduced in 2023, has provided cash bonuses for more than 900 children, with over USD 468,000 distributed in 2024 alone. Strong rating reinforces Group's governance focus Group continued to raise the bar in corporate governance, earning an A rating from MSCI ESG. Globally, the Group hosted two partner summits and deepened collaboration with more than 230 destination marketing organisations to drive inclusive tourism development. Ms Jane Sun, CEO of Group, said, " The ability to operate and grow more sustainably will be among the most critical factors for future competitiveness. We believe that sustainable development is a long-term journey requiring deep and enduring commitment. Together with our users, partners, and employees, we are working to build a future where every journey brings us closer - to one another, and to the perfect trip for a better world." For more information on Group's Sustainability report, please visit here. About Group Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission "to pursue the perfect trip for a better world". Find out more about Group here. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
