Carpenters’ rep continues his trek raising funds for Renos for Heroes

Come rain or shine, Durval Terceira will walk to raise money for the Renos for Heroes program Sept. 25.

The co-ordinator of the Carpenters’ Local 1030 in Toronto has done the annual walk eight years in a row and hopes this year to raise upwards of $100,000 that the charity can use on such initiatives as home renovations to improve accessibility and convenience for injured military veterans and their families.

“I love doing this walk for Renos for Heroes because I think they do an amazing job for our soldiers,” he said. “I think it takes a special human being to defend our country…our values and sometimes give their life for it.”

Over the past eight years, Terceira has walked about 1,200 kilometres for the organization, bringing in about $600,000.

“The first year we made $30,000 and we’ve raised $100,000 for the past three years.”

So far this year, he has received $10,000 each from three organizations, including the Interior Systems Contractors Association of Ontario, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters’ international.

Usually, Terceira’s annual walk is well over 100 kilometres (one walk was 260 kilometres) but because of the pandemic he is limiting this year’s walk to a one-day event and a distance of 20 kilometres.

Due to current restrictions he will be inviting everyone to walk with him virtually this year at their own pace and on their own route to help raise funds for the cause.

Whether COVID-19 is around or not next year, the 54-year-old will continue to do the annual event. His long-term goal is to do a relay walk with other union locals across Ontario.

To sponsor Terceira, you can make a secure donation on the Renos for Heroes website at: https://www.renosforheroes.org/walkathon/