Toronto’s Garrison Ball 2020; celebrating the achievements of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families

Held last weekend, on February 8, 2020, the annual Toronto Garrison Ball commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the many CAF soldiers, and their families made leading up to the liberation of the Netherlands and V-E Day. 

This year the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the nation’s oldest continuously-serving Infantry Regiment, hosted the event.

Lieutenant-Colonel Frank D. Lamie, Commanding Officer of The Queen’s Own Rifles explained, “This year’s theme was the Road to Victory, effectively commemorating the 75th anniversary of the sacrifices and incredible achievements of those soldiers, sailors, airmen and women, and their accomplishments towards the liberation of the Netherlands.”

“The Ball celebrates the officers and military supporters within the greater Toronto areas – largely reservists, citizen soldiers, and also members of our regular force dignitaries are invited from across Canada, as well as international dignitaries. This year we have the privilege of having our Army Commander, Lieutenant General Wayne Eyre, attending to deliver the keynote address,” he added.

Being the premier social event for the military community and its supporters in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Garrison Ball involved plenty of fine dining, museum exhibits, and historical displays. 

As the primary sponsor for the Garrison Ball, Maxsys aimed to continue its national awareness campaign in supporting military members and their value amongst employers. 

Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Maxsys Dr. Bryan Brulotte explained, “Across Canada, we submit to a whole host of different events. We calculated it two years ago, and it comes out to roughly $450,000 that we commit to different events from across the country for three things: military homelessness, military bursaries, and military advocacy for the broader military community.” 

“The most significant thing that we do, is place, about a thousand members of the extended military community – so that would be reservists, veterans as well as family members – in jobs every single year. We are quite proud of that,” he added.

The Regimental Museum of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada presented an authentic historical program, following the Regiment through wartime years. 

Guests heard the keynote speech from the Army Commander and a unique compilation of readings, which were largely diary readings, citation readings, and letters from a brother soldier to his sister that tracked the final year leading up to the victory in Europe.    

“There has been phenomenal support from civilian-military supporters and members of Garrison’s regimental families,” shared Lieutenant-Colonel Lamie. “In particular, [I would like to thank] the Liberty Entertainment Group, who have given a remarkable amount of support in bringing together this commemorative legacy of life.”