Ambar SyedLast month True Patriot Love hosted their 11th Annual Tribute Gala.
Held on Nov. 7, 2019, the dinner had Toronto’s corporate and community leaders come together to honour Canadian military members, Veterans, and their families. This year’s event raised $1.6 million towards the True Patriot Love Foundation.
The event showcased the national charity’s impact through the support of community programs and organizations across the country.
The Gala included a silent auction, opportunities to bid on exclusive experiences, as well as a live performance from Barenaked Ladies, one of Canada’s most celebrated and iconic bands.
The attendees included close to 1,000 business and community leaders, military personnel, Silver Cross families, distinguished military representatives, and other dignitaries.
At the event CEO of True Patriot Love Foundation, Nick Booth said, “We owe a great deal to Canada’s men and women in uniform, and tonight we pay tribute to their service and sacrifice.”
He added, “As we approach Remembrance Day, we will be wearing our poppies in honour of those who have served Canada in many wars over the last hundred years. But the impacts of conflict are not just felt in November. Many members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families live with the realities of military life 365 days a year. True Patriot Love Foundation exists for them.”
Guests heard personal experiences of those who have received support from the foundation. MCpl Natalie Forcier participated in True Patriot Love’s expedition to Baffin Island after leaving the military following an injury. Forcier gained valuable mentorship from business leaders, motivating her to found her own business.
“Getting out of the military, I felt alone, I felt empty, I felt like this great thing I had done before no longer reflected who I was,” she explained. “That’s where True Patriot Love gave me reason and a cause to do something bigger for myself. Having the business mentors there to help us and guide us along the way was incredible and crucial to keep going”.
The Patriot Award is presented each year in order to recognize an individual or an organization making outstanding philanthropic contributions to the military and defence community.
This year, the award was presented to Canso Investment Counsel for their support of Canada’s military, helping those in service, Veterans and military families.
Since 2009, TPL has provided $25 million to fund innovative research and support 750 community-based programs across the country. By addressing the unique challenges resulting from military service, including mental health, physical rehabilitation, transitioning to civilian life, and the special needs of children. According to TPL, they have helped change the lives of more than 25,000 military families.
The organization funds programs in mental health, physical rehabilitation, family supports, and veteran transition, as well as, funding research to discover new treatments, establish evidence-based programs, and increase access to programs and treatments dedicated to advancing the well being of serving members, veterans, and their families.
TPL also works towards changing the conversation by empowering Canada’s veteran community to serve and contribute to our country outside of uniform and works to discover solutions to systemic challenges that military families and veterans face by facilitating national discussions and international symposia with representatives from across all relevant sectors.
