Bowmanville, ON
Saturday 26 September 2026
Registration Time: 8-9am
Walk begins: 9am
Location: Start/Stop @ Durham Ultimate Fitness 164 Baseline Rd, Bowmanville, ON
TEAM LEADS
Johanna deBoer
Johanna de Boer is the CEO/Principal of Hinge Consulting Group, a Canadian advisory firm specializing in artificial intelligence, executive development, and organizational transformation. She has spent over 25 years helping leaders modernize their organizations through technology, learning, and strategic innovation. Johanna has also served as a mentor with the Prince’s Trust, supporting veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs, and is a member of the Rotary-affiliated London Peace Envoys, advancing community resilience and global citizenship. She remains committed to meaningful community impact, contributing to veterans’ initiatives, youth development, and regional service efforts.
Thom MacDonald
Major (Retired) William-Thomas (Thom) MacDonald has been a proud resident of Bowmanville for more than 25 years and is honoured to serve as a volunteer organizer for the True Patriot Love Run. Thom brings to this role a deep commitment to supporting Canadian military members, Veterans, and their families, shaped by both his professional life and his own years of service.
Thom served seventeen years in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve, with two periods of service between 1990–1996 and 2004–2015. Throughout his military career, he held a series of senior leadership roles, gaining experience in operations planning, personnel support, team development, and mentorship. These experiences instilled in him a strong sense of duty, service, and community, values that continue to guide his work today.
In his civilian career, Thom serves as Associate Vice-President, Enrolment and International Education at Durham College, where he is known for his collaborative leadership approach and dedication to student success. He brings the same commitment and integrity to his volunteer efforts, helping strengthen the connection between local communities and the military families who live, work, and serve among them.
With decades-long ties to Bowmanville and a lifelong commitment to service, Thom is proud to help bring the True Patriot Love Run to the community, supporting an event that honours those who serve and contributes meaningfully to the well-being of military families across Canada.
Thom served seventeen years in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve, with two periods of service between 1990–1996 and 2004–2015. Throughout his military career, he held a series of senior leadership roles, gaining experience in operations planning, personnel support, team development, and mentorship. These experiences instilled in him a strong sense of duty, service, and community, values that continue to guide his work today.
In his civilian career, Thom serves as Associate Vice-President, Enrolment and International Education at Durham College, where he is known for his collaborative leadership approach and dedication to student success. He brings the same commitment and integrity to his volunteer efforts, helping strengthen the connection between local communities and the military families who live, work, and serve among them.
With decades-long ties to Bowmanville and a lifelong commitment to service, Thom is proud to help bring the True Patriot Love Run to the community, supporting an event that honours those who serve and contributes meaningfully to the well-being of military families across Canada.
Doug Ellis
Douglas (Doug) Ellis is a dedicated community advocate and veteran with a strong commitment to public service. A member of the Canadian Armed Forces with service connected to the Ontario Regiment, Doug has been recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and contributions both in uniform and within his community.
As a Corporal, Doug was awarded the Top Fieldcraft Soldier Award by the regiment in 2017 and received the Cpl. Frank Benzenlightner Memorial Trophy in 2019 as the top non-commissioned member of the year for the Ontario Regiment. Most recently, he was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration on March 24, 2026, in recognition of 12 years of distinguished service to Canada.
In addition to his military background, Doug is actively involved in provincial community engagement, working closely with Todd McCarthy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham. In this capacity, he supports constituency initiatives and plays a key role in connecting residents with provincial programs and services.
Doug’s work reflects a deep commitment to service, community, and country—values that continue to guide his contributions both in and out of uniform.