A Manitoba-based veteran of the war in Ukraine is taking on an extraordinary physical challenge to support soldiers still fighting on the front lines, using a long-distance hiking expedition to raise funds and keep international attention focused on the conflict.
Peter Derksen, a 59-year-old retired Winnipeg police officer who served alongside Ukrainian forces, began hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in April 2026. The trail stretches approximately 4,265 kilometres through California, Oregon and Washington before reaching British Columbia.
Derksen’s journey is intended to support Ukrainian soldiers and highlight the continuing need for assistance as Russia’s full-scale invasion continues.
The veteran spent approximately one year in Ukraine after travelling there in September 2022. During that period, he served alongside Ukrainian troops, including spending several months on the front lines fighting Russian forces.
Reflecting on his experience, Derksen said he was fortunate to have survived the fighting. However, he believes the struggle for Ukraine’s freedom deserves continued attention and support from people outside the country.
Rather than returning to the battlefield, he decided to find another way to contribute. His fundraising campaign directs supporters to United24, an initiative established by the Ukrainian government, and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which provides Canadians with an avenue to support humanitarian and other assistance efforts.
Derksen has also pledged to match the first $2,000 donated to the campaign, doubling the impact of those initial contributions.
The hike is expected to take up to six months, with Derksen planning to cover an average of approximately 32 kilometres daily once he becomes accustomed to the demanding terrain.
His journey will take him through deserts, mountainous regions, forests and other challenging landscapes. He must also manage changing weather conditions, extreme heat and difficult river crossings along the route.
Although he will spend much of the expedition hiking alone, his wife, Shannon Derksen, and their three adult children are supporting his efforts.
Shannon described the journey as a way for her husband to continue helping Ukrainians without returning to the dangers he faced during his military service.
She recalled the difficult period when he was serving in Ukraine, including telephone conversations during which she could sometimes hear incoming artillery fire in the background.
Derksen’s fundraising expedition reflects his continued commitment to the people he served alongside during the war. His decision to undertake thousands of kilometres on foot demonstrates how veterans can continue supporting their fellow soldiers through humanitarian work and public awareness campaigns.
For Derksen, the journey is about more than completing a demanding hiking trail. It is an opportunity to remind Canadians and the wider international community that Ukrainian soldiers continue to need support.
Swifteradio.com
