Victor Walk coming to Neepawa

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Published on Thursday, July 14, 2016

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

A former NHLer’s effort to raise awareness about the issue of childhood sexual abuse is bringing that message to Neepawa. Theoren Fleury, most well known for his time as a player with the Calgary Flames, will be in the community on Wednesday, July 20 for the fourth annual Victor Walk.

Fleury started the Victor Walk in 2013 for those learning to overcome their childhood trauma, after he realized how many other people have faced childhood sexual abuse. Recent research from Statistics Canada suggests that one of every three girls and one of every six boys experience some type of unwanted traumatic event before they are 18 years of age. Fleury, who himself is a survivor of sexual abuse, has used the walk to help change the way Canadians understand the effects of childhood trauma. The first walk involved Fleury and a small group travelling from Toronto to Ottawa over the span of 10 days. Since that time, the movement has grown to a national level, supported by communities across the country. 

Locally residents wishing to be involved with the Victor Walk are asked to gather at the Yellowhead Centre at 11:00 am, on July 20th. Members of the community will then walk from the Yellowhead Centre, around Park Lake and back to the Yellowhead Centre. Lunch will follow from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. 

Those unable to attend Neepawa’s Victor Walk who still wish to support the movement are asked to visit their website at www.victorwalk.com.