For the second year, Cochranites are invited to 'Sweat For a Vet' in honour of our Country's unsung heroes.

As a lead-up to Remembrance Day, The Wayfinders Wellness Centre is organizing the family-friendly event, set to take place this Sunday, outside of the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.

Kristy Lindenback is helping to organize this year's event and she says it's an opportunity for the community to come together and show appreciation for our first responders and veterans.

"Remembrance Day is always a really great time to bring those awarenesses out since people are a little more heightened and sensitive to them," explains Lindenback. "Really, anyone who's able can come out and participate or even just enjoy the community and being there."

Organizers have marked the pathway for a 4 km hike followed by a circuit workout, however, Lindenback says there is no pressure. Participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and do as much or little as they're able.

Lindenback says that last year many of the participants took it upon themselves to carry extra weight, to signify the heavy burden that our veterans carry on a daily basis.

"When our troops are over and defending our Country they're wearing these packs ... these heavy weighted things, " explains Lindenback.  They come back and they're not wearing their packs anymore but they still have a lot of weight that's on them. It kind of represents that heaviness that we come home with."

The Sweat For a Vet event will kick off on Sunday, November 7 at 11 a.m.

"We'll start with the Opening Ceremonies -- a couple of words about what the event is about," explains Lindenback. "Of course O Canada will kick off the event before we head out on our hike."

After returning from the hike, participants will go through a series of circuits, and they're asked to bring their own yoga mats and water bottles.  

Last year's event was limited in capacity due to COVID-19, however, Lindenback says they aren't putting a cap on the number of participants this year, since the entire event is outdoors. Still, social distancing will be in place, and organizers will take the names of participants as a precaution.

While the event is free, monetary donations are greatly appreciated, to further aid the Wayfinders in their ongoing mission to provide support for military workers and first responders dealing with PTSD and trauma.

Food donations will also be collected for the Veterans Association Food Bank