Tears came to 104-year-old John Hillman香蕉视频直播檚 eyes as he finished his final lap around the Carlton House courtyard for his annual Save the Children fundraiser.
The B.C. veteran proudly grinned, waving his hands in the air while thanking members of the Greater Victoria community and loved ones for the overwhelming support.
On May 1 Hillman embarked on his journey to do about 10 laps a day to raise money and awareness for the not-for-profit organization. This year alone Hillman managed to raise $62,983, plus $5,000 from the Carlton House, and more is still coming from Oak Bay residents.
Familiar faces were alongside Hillman while he lapped the courtyard, including Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch, several members of the Oak Bay Police Department, Carlton House president Judi Prewett, and Save the Children president Danny Glenwright.
Glenwright knew about Hillman before he started at Save the Children and once he joined, he knew he had to meet the centurian. Glenwright believed Hillman is recognized nationally because, he said, 香蕉视频直播淚 don香蕉视频直播檛 think there are many 104-year-olds doing what John did today and what John has done over the past 10 days. He香蕉视频直播檚 an inspiration. This was his idea. He wanted to do something when he turned 100 to raise funds for children suffering.香蕉视频直播�
Since 2020, Hillman has been lapping the courtyard annually for every year he香蕉视频直播檚 been alive, which was 101 laps that first time. His inspiration was Capt. Tom Moore of England, who raised money for charities by circling around his garden 100 times. Each year Hillman sets a fundraising goal that corresponds to his age and this year香蕉视频直播檚 was $104,000.
Murdoch expressed his gratitude. 香蕉视频直播淚香蕉视频直播檓 very appreciative of all John香蕉视频直播檚 done to raise the funds and honestly just for how much this builds our community, it香蕉视频直播檚 really cool to see this many people out.香蕉视频直播�
Impressed at Hillman香蕉视频直播檚 ability to pursue this fundraiser annually, he added 香蕉视频直播渨e香蕉视频直播檙e just constantly amazed that he keeps doing this and he keeps upping the game. It香蕉视频直播檚 remarkable to me that one man can just give hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars to the world to benefit. It香蕉视频直播檚 just fantastic. We hope he香蕉视频直播檚 back for 105.香蕉视频直播�
Singer Stephanie Greaves serenaded Hillman and others walking on the cobblestone with classic war-time songs 香蕉视频直播� many of which are Hillman香蕉视频直播檚 favourites as it香蕉视频直播檚 become a tradition.
To celebrate the accomplishment, Hillman cheered the crowd with a glass of scotch. After the laps and drink, he reminded everyone, 香蕉视频直播渄on香蕉视频直播檛 forget the children, they need us badly.香蕉视频直播�
ALSO READ: VIDEO: 104-year-old Oak Bay veteran embarks on 4th fundraiser for Save the Children
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