In the face of extreme weather and a daunting mechanical setback, Chad Kennedy and his supporters banded together for a 24-hour walkathon to raise funds to repair the Sea to Sea for PTSD safety truck.

Their determination paid off, as the crew raised enough money to fix the truck and ensure that Chad’s upcoming cross-Canada mental health awareness walk remains on track to begin this April.

Chad, a veteran and former law enforcement officer, founded Sea to Sea for PTSD to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in military and first-responder communities.

Through seminars and nationwide walks, Sea to Sea brings awareness to post-traumatic stress disorder, while providing a safe space for open dialogue.

In December, Sea to Sea’s upcoming walk hit a major hurdle, as Chad’s essential safety vehicle suffered an engine failure.

“I took the truck in for spark plug replacement and an oil change, and we had a catastrophic lifter failure,” Chad says.

“I had to nurse the truck for a bit and ended up parking it, having to order a new engine.”

The safety truck is a key component of Chad’s campaign. Not only does it spread awareness and provide shelter for Chad during his cross-Canada walks, but it also acts as a protective escort along dangerous roadways, particularly busy highways.

The truck, driven by Chad’s friend and safety officer Luc Savoie, an Afghanistan war veteran, also serves as a mobile support unit, carrying any supplies Chad may need in a hitch.

“He not only drives the truck to keep my butt safe on the highway, but at the end of the day, he’s my decompression,” Chad says. “When things get tough, I’ve got somebody to talk to on a continual basis.”

Never one to ask for a handout, Chad was committed to earning support rather than solely asking for donations. To do so, he launched the Save the Truck fundraiser, which included a silent auction and a gruelling 24-hour walkathon, Feb. 15 and 16.

“I believe actions are stronger than words,” Chad says.

“It was a challenge for myself, and I really didn’t expect other people to say, ‘Hey, I’m in.’ But having them show up, whether they walked for an hour or for 10 hours, they challenged themselves, which makes me happy. It’s a reminder that I’m never alone.”

Despite initial forecasts suggesting mild weather for the walkathon, Chad and fellow participants wound up facing harsh conditions. Wind gusts during the walkathon reached over 100 km/h, leading to blowing snow and wind chills as low as -36 C.

“We had to call it for safety reasons at about 8 p.m. the first day,” Chad recalls.

“We didn’t want somebody getting frostbitten or hypothermic, so we took a break and set back out at 6 a.m. the next morning.”

The efforts and determination of Chad and his supporters did not go unnoticed, as the Save the Truck fundraiser received overwhelming support from residents of Crowsnest Pass, as well as donors from across Canada.

Local businesses stepped up beyond donations as well, as Chad and his supporters were provided breakfast and hot drinks by the Rum Runner, while Ben Wong’s Restaurant provided shelter when the weather conditions grew overwhelming.

“Local businesses helped where they could, even in tough times. It seems the more I’m in the Pass, the more I feel accepted as a part of this community,” Chad says.

Ultimately, the campaign raised over $11,000 of the roughly $12,000 needed for the engine replacement. Chad covered the remaining costs out of pocket, calling the effort a major success.

“The truck is back in my possession and is sounding happy as ever,” he says.

With his safety truck now fixed and road-worthy once more, the campaign is back on track. Chad will soon set off on his second cross-Canada walk on April 14, beginning in St. John’s, N.L., and ending on Pelee Island, Ont.

As Chad organizes the upcoming cross-Canada walk, his mission remains clear: spread awareness, encourage conversations, and support those affected by PTSD.

“This isn’t just about me, it’s about bringing people together,” he says.

“People just show up in the middle of nowhere to walk for a while, and a lot of times, you end up walking with somebody, breaking down, and having a good cry. You never know who you’re reaching.”

For more information or to donate, visit the Sea to Sea for PTSD website at seatoseaforptsd.ca, or follow on social media.