TRUE PATRIOT LOVE 2nd ANNUAL GALA IN SUPPORT OF THE MILITARY FAMILIES FUND

A Night Dedicated to Those Who Dedicate Their Lives

TORONTO, Nov. 8 /CNW/ -To honour Remembrance Day and the men and women of the Canadian Forces in active service, the True Patriot Love Foundation is hosting its 2^nd annual Tribute Dinner. The inaugural Tribute Dinner raised more than $2.3 million for the Military Families Fund, Soldier On, the Military Family Resource Centre and other funds and charities that support Canadian Forces members and their families.

The True Patriot Love Foundation was formed by corporate and community leaders and is dedicated to raising funds for programs to improve the well-being and morale of Canadian military personnel while celebrating their service to Canada. Each year, the Foundation will make a major gift on behalf of the Canadian military. Please visit www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com for more information.

Among the attendees this year is Private Jacqueline (Jackie) Girouard. Pte. Girouard is a military spouse, a military Mom and now a member of the Canadian Forces, herself.  Her husband, Chief Warrant Officer Robert Michael Girouard, former regimental sergeant major of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment at CFB Petawawa in Ontario, was killed when a suicide bomber drove his car into a convoy of military vehicles in Kandahar on Nov. 27, 2006. The 29-year veteran of the Forces was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross posthumously. Pvt. Girouard enlisted following her husband's death to, in her words, "do something bigger than I am."     

Other attendees this year include:

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence
General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defence Staff
General (Ret'd) Rick Hillier
Shaun Francis, Chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation

WHEN: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 beginning at 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building), 222 Bremner Blvd. Toronto

***IMPORTANT NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

Media availabilities with the attendees listed above will begin at 5 pm sharp in the VIP reception area. Arrangements have been made so that TV outlets wanting to broadcast live can cable in to the VIP reception area. Limited parking will be provided for sat/microwave trucks adjacent to the south doors of the building (off Bremner Ave.) . Parking inside the venue will be available for camera vehicles ONLY. Audio feeds will be available during the speeches and concert.

For further information:

Chris Eby [phone]
Sonya Singh [phone]
[email protected]