True Patriot Love raises $1.3 million at annual dinner

The True Patriot Love Foundation has raised $1.3 million at the 10th annual Toronto Tribute Gala on November 8th.

Close to 1,000 of Toronto’s most influential business and community leaders as well as many military representatives and dignitaries, all gathered together for the same goal. 

Since 2009, the True Patriot Love Foundation has raised close to $18.5 million that support hundreds of local programs across the country to help military and Veteran families with the challenges that are associated with military service. 

“At the True Patriot Love Foundation, we’re incredibly inspired by the strength, courage, and resiliency of military and Veteran families, and we’re grateful to our partners and donors who share our commitment to providing them with the support and resources they need,” said Bronwen Evans, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation.

During the Gala, George Cope was the recipient of the 2018 Patriot Award for his leadership and significant contribution to supporting Canada’s military community. The award, which has been awarded to an individual or an organization who has made an outstanding philanthropic contribution to the resilience and wellbeing of the military community.

“On behalf of the Bell Let’s Talk team, I am honoured to accept the 2018 Patriot Award in recognition of the great partnership between the True Patriot Love Foundation and our mental health initiative,” said Mr. Cope. “Together with True Patriot Love, we are committed to supporting the mental health of the military community through the Bell True Patriot Love Fund, which enables military service people, Veterans, and their families to access mental health services in their own communities.” 

During the Gala, Mr. Cope announced the recipients of the Bell True Patriot Love Fund grants. The $2 million, the multi-year initiative supports community mental health programs delivered through Military Family Resource Centres and other groups in communities across Canada to support serving military members, Veterans, and their families. Since the launch of the Fund in 2013, 89 grants have been distributed.

For more information about the True Patriot Love Foundation, visit their website.