True Patriot Love Foundation

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The foundation was formed with a noble purpose:

“The mission of True Patriot Love is to give all Canadians an opportunity to pay tribute to the quiet dedication of military families whose sacrifices they make on our behalf often go unnoticed,” said Shaun Francis, Chair. “When our soldiers serve in the name of freedom, their families make sacrifices in terms of separation, anxiety and loss.”

The organization, founded by corporate and community leaders, is dedicated to raising funds for programs to improve the well-being of members of the Canadian military and their families, and to celebrate their selfless service. The Foundation strives to help meet the needs of Canadian heroes serving at home and abroad, as well as the needs of the families who support them.

The Foundation’s signature event is the annual True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner, with the inaugural event taking place on the eve of Remembrance Day (November 10, 2009) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. To date, the Foundation has raised approximately $300,000 towards its goal of $1.75 million+ for the Dinner. With over 1,500 guests in attendance including military family members, the program will feature political and military leaders as well as Canadian artists and entertainers.

The proceeds of this year’s Tribute Dinner will be dedicated to the Military Families Fund (MFF), established and championed by General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier when he was Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff. The purpose of the MFF is to quickly step in to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often urgent needs that have resulted from conditions of service, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk.

The Honourary Chair of the Tribute Dinner is General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier and the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk is the Guest Speaker.

It is backed by some pretty heavy hitters. And the effort being put in to raise some serious coin for the Military Families Fund is massive.

For those who don't know what the Military Families Fund is used for, or are wondering why all expenses relating to military families in need aren't taken care of by the government: this fund is intended to react quickly while the "official" response catches up, and to cover some of the costs of families in need that fall between the cracks. It's a very powerful tool to make things right when they go wrong for the families of our soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

The gala dinner is targeting corporate sponsorship - tickets are well beyond my means. But if you're interested in finding out more, here's who to talk to:

True Patriot Love Gala, sponsored by Telus
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
For more information: Karen Miller
(416) 224-9990 or kim.inc@rogers.com

It's a good cause. I wish them the best of luck.