Ukrainian war vet from Manitoba goes on epic hike to raise funds for war effort

That's my pack. This was made for me in Ukraine by some of my brother soldiers there. For nearly 5,000 kilometers, Peter Dirksen carried everything he needed to survive on his back. The retired Winnipeg police officer and veteran of the Ukraine war returned to his home in Manitoba's Interlake this fall. That's following a nearly six-month hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. The journey saw him cross deserts, mountains and rivers from the U.S.-Mexico border back to Canada while raising money for soldiers in Ukraine. My motivation was so clear and so definitive I never had any doubt whatsoever that even when I took my first step from the Mexican border that I was going to finish. But physically it's very difficult on your body especially when you're 60. Dirksen specialized in security, weapons handling, and tactical procedures during a 30-year career with the Winnipeg police. He brought those skills to the front lines of Ukraine in 2022, where he enlisted, in the army, and trained fellow soldiers for one year. Dirksen wanted to keep the fight alive after returning home, so he joined forces with a pair of charities for his fundraising campaign. Valery Kostyuk is the executive director of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. He says Dirksen has raised awareness for the war effort. His experience with everything he has done, he's not giving up. He continues to do good for Ukraine, so we're forever grateful. And it's an inspiring story for others, including me. Now home, Dirksen is reflecting on his journey, surrounded by memories of his time at war. And I don't want people to forget, even if you're not thinking of Ukraine, You just don't forget that people and soldiers die so that you can have that freedom. And we're coming up to Remembrance Day, and so it's even more poignant. From the front line to the finish line, he won't give up. Tyler Searle, CBC News, Interlake.