‘If I could save one’: Veteran cris-crosses Canada twice to help the homeless who served

A Canadian veteran has been touring the country, supporting fellow soldiers by raising money for those who are battling PTSD. CTV London's Sean Irvine reports.

Some wear their heart and message on their sleeve; Bob Burton wears his on his vest and on his car.

Burton is a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces with service in multiple theatres, including Afghanistan.

Now, after his own battle coming home to Nova Scotia, he wants to help others.

“Why do I want to do that? Because there are lots out there who, as I did, have isolated for years,” he said.

Burton reports he began to disconnect after witnessing children killed in an explosion in Afghanistan. In 2014, he sought help.

“They said that’s where my trauma stems from.”

But identifying the source didn’t help to numb the pain. Alcohol did for a time, but ultimately it was too much.

“Four years ago, I tried to commit suicide,” he revealed with a tear.

His son intervened.

“My son texted and said, ‘Hey, Dad, you’re better than that.’ And I said, ‘Maybe you’re right.’ So, I came out of the woods in New Brunswick. Long story short, I don’t have those thoughts and tendencies anymore.”

But to heal, Burton needed a purpose. That purpose became his plan to drive in his electric car from one end of the country to the other – and back again – to raise funds for homeless veterans through the charity Vets Canada.

Now on his return trip, he passed through London.

One month from now, his journey will end in Newfoundland.

At each stop, he speaks to vets and supporters at local legions.

“If I can get the message out across the country and tell my story and be vulnerable, maybe others out there will see me and say, hey, maybe it’s my time,” he said.

Along the way, other veterans, including Londoner Bradley Sullivan, have stepped up to offer a night away from sleeping in the car.

“I’m praying that other people will understand what he’s doing, why he’s doing it, and hopefully be able to make a contribution, however big or small,” said Sullivan.

So far, Burton has raised over $16,000 in cash, along with the still-to-be-counted online component.

A $100 donation from a homeless veteran in Winnipeg has stuck with him.

“He said, I’m okay now. I’m off the streets. Please take the $100 bill.”

This is ultimately what Burton wants for other veterans living on the streets.

“And, if I could save one, and I think I have. Then maybe I can do even better.”

Donations to Burton’s Solo Veteran EV Journey can be made through Vets Canada