DAWSON CREEK -- Grant Beacock is a 65-year-old man from Chilliwack. He is doing the walk of a lifetime in hopes of seeing more connection between elders and their communities.
"I just want elders and younger families to get together. We can be out there. We could be giving a lot more to our communities," said Beacock.
He flew to Beaver Creek at the Alaska/Yukon border in April, where he began his journey back home to Chilliwack.
Throughout his walk, many took notice of Beacock and his wagon on the side of roads and highways. Some took to social media to share their experiences with him. While all this was happening, Beacock had no idea of the attention he had garnered.
Countless people began welcoming Beacock into their communities with open arms. From pulling over to the side of Highway 97 with a lunch packed for him, to booking him a night at the local inn.
"There was people walking up, they knew me they were calling me by my name. I don't know how they knew me or knew about me," said Beacock.
He began sharing his story and his hopes of what could come from this journey. He quickly came to find he was not the only person to feel the way he did about elder isolation.
"I think it's time to get rid of that stigmatism of age," said Beacock.
Beacock himself breaking barriers for elders. He has suffered four heart attacks and broken his back twice in the past, but has managed to find strength and determination for this intense journey, which involves sleeping outdoors in his tent most nights.
His daughter helped him design shirts and plaques for his journey. So far Beacock's plaques can be found on the Alaska sign, Haines Junction, Atlin, and next up Dawson Creek.
Beacock plans on making it back to Chilliwack around October, reuniting with his wife. He hopes to launch a program that will help elders connect better with their communities.
