Giving a bit back to those who gave so much

We all understand that to lose a loved one in the service of Canada is a life-altering shock. That is to say, we understand it intellectually, but very few of us realize exactly what it means emotionally to wake up each day and try to live knowing you'll never see your loved one again - taken from you far too soon.

For the spouses and children of the fallen, there's also another layer of stress: finances. Much as the CF has safety nets in place for such an eventuality, the reality is that the family has lost a breadwinner's years of potential earnings. And as a family grows up, expenses only rise.

That's why the efforts of Canada Company are so very important, and greatly appreciated by those of us who care deeply about CF members and their families:

Seven children of Canadian military personnel who have died while on duty serving their country will open the markets at the Toronto Stock Exchange on Friday, September 18, 2009. They will receive post-secondary education scholarships from Canada Company at an awards ceremony after the opening.

Blake Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and CEO of AGF Management Limited, along with Gerry McCaughey, President and CEO, CIBC, will present the scholarships at the second annual Canada Company Scholarship Fund Awards.

Canada Company, created in 2006, brings community leaders from across Canada together to support Canadian soldiers and their families. The Canada Company Scholarship Fund (CCSF) was created in 2008 to supplement benefits available to the children who have had a parent die while on duty. Awarded annually, the scholarships provide $4,000 per year for up to four years for children who qualify. These scholarships help to offset tuition fees and other living expenses required to complete a post secondary education.

BZ to all involved.