Leaving Limits Behind – Sim and Dédé’s Camino Journey for Soldier ON

With backpacks on their shoulders and hundreds of kilometres ahead of them...

With backpacks on their shoulders and hundreds of kilometres ahead of them, Sim and Dédé set out on the historic Camino de Santiago, transforming the renowned pilgrimage into a personal challenge and fundraising initiative in support of Soldier On.

From August 15 to 25, 2026, they walked more than 280 kilometres between León and Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Along the way, they crossed vineyards, mountains, villages, and cities, meeting extraordinary people from around the world while experiencing everything from cool temperatures and rain to 40-degree summer heat.

The Camino offered more than stunning scenery and a physical challenge. For Sim and Dédé, it was a chance to disconnect from the routines of everyday life, reconnect with themselves, and embrace each day as it came. Despite the changing weather and long distances, they embraced each day with excitement for what lay ahead.

At the Cruz del Ferro, a legendary pilgrimage site where travellers leave behind an object representing a burden, fear, or worry, Dédé, a Soldier On member herself, chose to leave behind a Soldier On symbol. In that moment, she left behind more than an object. She left behind the limits she once believed were in front of her.

“Even though I was medically released a year ago, I can now tell myself that life doesn't end there, that there's still time to live, and that I no longer have any limits,” she reflected.

Along the way, Sim and Dédé inspired friends, family, and supporters to rally behind the cause, raising more than $900 for Soldier On. Every donation helps ensure that ill and injured serving members and Veterans can continue to access opportunities that support recovery, connection, and well-being.

A sincere thank you to Sim and Dédé, as well as everyone who supported their journey. By leaving limits behind and embracing new possibilities, they inspired others to give back and make a difference. Together, you helped turn an unforgettable pilgrimage into lasting impact for serving members and Veterans across Canada.