He's at it again! Whitehorse man walking 500 km to raise money for anti-poverty group

It's the perfect fall day in Dawson City and a perfect day for a walk according to Patrick Jackson.

"It's my way of getting in shape," Jackson said. "You get a totally different perspective. You know, I've been up and down this highway hundreds of times over the years and when you're walking it, it's kind of weird because the perspective changes so much."

But this isn't just a normal stroll along the highway.

Jackson is walking over 500 kilometres from Dawson City to Whitehorse to raise money for the Yukon Anti Poverty Coalition and its Whitehorse Connects program.

Whitehorse Connects is an opportunity for all members of the public to come together on a given day for a range of health and human services they may not otherwise access including haircuts, foot care, immunization, access to Internet and nursing care. 

"I grew up poor," Jackson explains. "We didn't have very much growing up. I'll never forget that and it's really affected who I am and what I do so I can certainly relate."

Jackson isn't alone on his journey. He's being accompanied by Butters — an Australian Shepard lent to him by a coworker.

"A coworker at work thought her dog needed some more exercise everyday so she volunteered to lend me Butters," he explained. "So far she's been a champion. She's a really good dog."

Jackson hopes to raise close to $25,000 for the coalition. He said as of day three, he's already raised close to $5,000.

"There's lots of people who are struggling to make ends meet, inflation in prices and all sorts of changes to how we sort of navigate day to day, so that's part of the inspiration," Jackson said. 

This is not the first long walk for Jackson.

Last year he walked 2,015.2 kilometres from the Dempster Corner outside of Dawson City to the Arctic Circle, raising around $14,000 for the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition.

People can follow his journey and support his cause at the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition website.

"For me personally, if you're passing by, a couple toots of your horn makes the next few steps easier because I realize people are supporting what I'm doing," Jackson said. 

"Food and water and things, I'm in good shape so no need for stuff like that unless I flag you down or something."

'He's a community builder'

Kristina Craig, the executive director of the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition, said Jackson's determination is a demonstration of his commitment to community and action.

"We're so grateful and excited and inspired by Patrick," she explained. "His approach and his desire to do this for the anti-poverty coalition and really to benefit the folks who are attached to some of the work we do. We're just really, really grateful.

"He is a community builder and the coalition is a community builder, so it's really a great relationship"

Craig said Jackson's goal of $25,000 is an ambitious one. She said regardless of how much money he raises for the coalition, the organization remains thankful for his mission.

"You know, the days can be hard and the nights can be, too, and it doesn't just end," she explained.

"I think that him walking is sort of a reflection of that, as well — that you're just always moving forward, and that's what he is doing for us."