A ruck march for a cause: Supporting life saving pediatric care
December 5, 2025 - Capt Inna Platonova, Public Affairs Officer, 3rd Canadian Division / Joint Task Force West
The holiday season reminds us of the power of giving.
For military members, giving back and supporting their communities is an extension of their service. Acts of generosity that make a real difference are an important part of living the values of duty and compassion.
A 10‑kilometre ruck march and a unit barbecue on Oct. 31 brought 3rd Canadian Division (3 Cdn Div) Headquarters members together in a powerful show of support, raising $2,180 for life‑saving pediatric care at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Close to 70 members participated in the ruck march and around 100 people contributed to the barbecue.
The following week, on Nov. 6, Colonel Ryan Stimpson, 3 Cdn Div / Joint Task Force West Chief of Staff, along with several initiative organizers from 3 Cdn Div including Major Han Choi and Lindsey Van Dyk, proudly presented the proceeds and a commemorative Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery coin to Lisa Hnat, Community Initiatives Advisor at the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Ruck marches are a cornerstone of physical endurance and mental resilience for military members. The marches help Canadian Armed Forces members to prepare to carry heavy loads over long distances, which is an essential skill for operations and real‑world deployments. For this event, participants pushed themselves further by adding extra weight and carrying loaded stretchers and sandbags, making the 10‑km march more challenging, while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and determination.
What made this ruck march truly special was its purpose: supporting the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing specialized pediatric care by funding excellence at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and beyond in support of its mission to give every child the best chance to live a long and healthy life.
Several 3 Cdn Div members in the region have children who are currently receiving care at the hospital, further increasing the deeply personal nature of the march.
For nearly a decade, the Stollery Children’s Hospital has been a lifeline for one 3 Cdn Div Headquarters family member.
Sydney Van Dyk, daughter of Lindsey, began receiving treatment there nine years ago. Diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and born with a hiatal hernia, Sydney has undergone continuous care and monitoring, culminating in a major hernia repair surgery this past May. After the ruck march, Lindsey shared that the Stollery had become “like a second home,” not only for its medical expertise but also for the community it fostered. Over the years, Sydney has formed close friendships with other young patients.
As the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation pushes forward with plans to fund a new stand‑alone children’s hospital, families like the Van Dyks say the initiative represents hope for even better care and improved experiences for young patients.
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Proceeds from the charity ruck march and a commemorative Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery coin were presented to Lisa Hnat, Community Initiatives Advisor at the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, by Colonel Ryan Stimpson, 3rd Canadian Division / Joint Task Force West Chief of Staff, and team members on Nov. 6.
From left to right: Lisa Hnat; Lindsey Van Dyk, Executive Administrative Assistant to the 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters Commander; Corporal Johnathan Flint; Major Han Choi, Executive Assistant to Commander 3rd Canadian Division / Joint Task Force West; and Col Ryan Stimpson.
Photos by MCpl Robert Mitchell, Imagery Technician, 3rd Canadian Division / Joint Task Force West
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Members from 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters carry a weighted stretcher, simulating a scenario that could occur in the field, during their Oct. 31 ruck march in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. The 10‑kilometre march raised more than $2,000.
“For us, the Stollery is not just a hospital,” Lindsey said. “It has been a source of comfort, healing and support during some of the hardest moments. Knowing that future families will have access to an even more advanced, child‑focused facility means the world.”
The Stollery Children’s Hospital is recognized as one of Canada’s leading pediatric centres, combining world‑class medical expertise with family‑centred care, innovative research and advanced technology to ensure the best outcomes for children. The Stollery is the hub for cardiac care in Western Canada, a national leader in organ transplantation, and is the home of the Northern Alberta Children’s Cancer Program. The hospital also offers 40 clinic services in the Edmonton Oilers Ambulatory clinic, among many more services.
The Stollery has one of largest catchment areas of any children’s hospital in the world and 27 per cent of patients come from outside the Edmonton area. With more than 316,000 patient visits per year, plus 157,000 virtual care visits, donor dollars have a life‑saving impact on so many patients and their families.
Col Stimpson, who led the initiative, praised the 3 Cdn Div Headquarters team for stepping up.
“I am proud of our team for rallying behind such an important cause,” he said. “The Stollery Children’s Hospital provides life‑saving pediatric care for families across Western Canada, including some of our own. I have utmost respect for all they do. Presenting these proceeds is our commitment to supporting community and the health and future of children.”
During the cheque presentation, Hnat expressed her gratitude.
“Thank you to the members of 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters for your commitment to helping advance physical and mental health care at the Stollery,” she said. “Your support truly makes all the difference in the level of care that we provide to kids across Western Canada, and we couldn’t do what we do without support of wonderful community champions like you.”
Col Stimpson is hopeful this fundraiser will become an annual tradition – a goal the team is eager to accomplish.
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The 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters team gathers after their 10‑kilometre ruck march on Oct. 31. Combined with a unit barbecue following the march, the event raised more than $2,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation to support the life‑saving pediatric care provided by the Stollery Children’s Hospital.
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Dozens of 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters team members completed a 10‑kilometre charity ruck march on Oct. 31 to raise money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.