Red Friday rally in Niagara region, June 29

Good on them:

Hundreds, if not thousands, of Niagara residents are expected to sport red this Friday to support Canadian troops overseas during Niagara's first Red Friday Rally.

With Canada Day approaching, Mishelle Chaloner of St. Catharines said she decided to organize the rally so Canadians can show their patriotism and pride for the soldiers fighting for their country.

"I am 100 per cent patriotic and this goes hand in hand," she said in an interview Tuesday.

The event will also serve as a morale boost for troops in the Niagara region getting ready for their tour in Afghanistan, including Chaloner's husband, Dennis Brown, who put his name in to leave February...

The money raised will go toward the Canadian Forces Hospital Comforts Program, which gives injured soldiers who are hospitalized for more than 48 hours access to telephone, Internet and television. Chaloner set her goal at $10,000 and expects almost 3,000 people, plus a few hundred local troops, to show up.

Chaloner is prepared to deal with possible antiwar protesters who may show up, as long as they remain peaceful...

In planning the event, Chaloner said she spoke with many people who had no idea what Red Friday was.

"It's every Friday," said Chaloner, who sends her four kids to school on Fridays wearing something red.

Cpl. Mike Opatovsky, who returned from a rotation in Afghanistan in February, will speak at the rally.

"This is something I can do to help the cause and the guys over there," he said.

During his time in Afghanistan, Opatovsky said, he remembers getting gifts at Christmas from complete strangers, a sign of support that reminds the troops what they're fighting for.

"It's important that everyone comes out to support their troops out there," he said.

There will also be military recruitment officers at the event taking applications, Chaloner said.

Those who can't attend the rally can donate by calling Mishelle Chaloner at 905-937-2229.

If you go

What: Red Friday Rally, Niagara, fundraiser for the Canadian Forces Hospital Comforts Program. There will be a barbecue, a raffle and live music.

When: Friday, June 29, 2 to 6 p.m.

Where: Lake Street Armoury, 81 Lake St.
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