- Bell True Patriot Love Fund 2017 recipients announced
- Canadian veterans and reservists finding career opportunities with the Bell team
- Poppy, Bell's iconic Remembrance Day television spot airs through November 11
MONTRÉAL, Nov. 9, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell is proud to join with Canadians everywhere as we honour our veterans and prepare to observe Remembrance Day.
"On November 11, Bell will remember all who have served our country in times of war and peace, including the thousands of Bell employees from across Canada who volunteered – 227 of whom gave their lives for our country," said George Cope, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada. "As we honour their memory, we're proud to support today's serving men and women, veterans and their families in partnership with True Patriot Love and Hire a Veteran."
The Bell True Patriot Love Fund
Launched in 2013 as a 4-year $1-million partnership between the Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative and the True Patriot Love Foundation, the Bell True Patriot Love Fund was renewed for another 4 years and $1 million in 2016. The fund has so far provided 70 grants to support mental health programs delivered through Military Family Resource Centres (MFRCs), veterans' groups and mental health organizations across Canada, making a difference in the lives of more than 1,000 families.
"The mental health needs of service members, veterans and their families are often complicated by the challenges of military life, and the Bell True Patriot Love Fund is designed to support programs that recognize and respond to that reality," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "We congratulate all of this year's grant recipients on their commitment to supporting those who have done so much for our country."
Bell Let's Talk and the True Patriot Love Foundation are pleased to announce this year's grant recipients:
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"True Patriot Love thanks Bell for its long-term commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of Canadian military families," said Bronwen Evans, CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation. "Together, we are able to provide access to critical programs and services for those brave individuals who help keep this country strong and free."
Honoured guest: Gunner Norman Cash
World War II veteran Norman Cash, a member of the Royal Canadian Legion General Wingate Branch, will be joining other veterans, community and corporate leaders, members of the military and their families from across Canada tonight in Toronto at the 9th Annual True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner presented by Bell.
Mr. Cash, 98, is featured in Bell's Remembrance Day television spot Poppy, which tells the story of a young girl – played by Ella Querin – learning the significance of the poppies she sees around her at this time of year. During the course of her journey, she encounters retired Captain Aida Gabriel, a veteran of Bosnia and Afghanistan, and Mr. Cash, who as an artillery gunner took part in the liberation of France, Belgium and Holland.
Veterans and the Bell team
Working with Canada Company's Military Employment Transition (MET) program, Bell continues to grow and enhance our workforce with the valuable skills and experience of military veterans, reservists, and their spouses.
To date, Bell has welcomed 225 veterans, reservists and their spouses to our team across the country, including Naval Cadet Melissa McCorriston, who serves with HMCS York, and is also a guest at tonight's True Patriot Love Dinner.
100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge
Bell was proud to participate in the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge this year through its support for the Vimy Foundation and the new Vimy Education Centre, which opened April 8, 2017. Bell has a special link to the Vimy Monument, on which are inscribed the names of the more than 11,000 Canadians with no known graves.
Of the 109 employees of Bell (including from Bell Canada, MTS, MT&T and NBTel) who died during World War I, 7 died during the Vimy battle, and a total of 16 with no known graves are named on the Vimy Monument itself.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company, providing broadband wireless, TV, Internet and business communication services from Bell Canada, Bell Aliant and Bell MTS. Bell Media is Canada's premier multimedia company with leading assets in television, radio, out of home, and digital media. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
The Bell Let's Talk initiative promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let's Talk Day, and provides significant Bell funding of mental health care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
2017 Bell True Patriot Love Fund Grant Recipients
4 Wing MFRC (AB)
Suicide intervention skills training for frontline workers and community members.
Legacy Place Society (AB)
Short term housing for military personnel receiving mental health assistance and support during a family crisis.
Mainland BC MFRC
Surviving Sorrow project for mothers of fallen soldiers.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada (National)
Trauma support program for military personnel.
Moose Jaw MFRC
Resilience training to help military families manage with the challenges of military life, transitioning to civilian life and operation stress injuries.
National Service Dogs (ON and Western Canada)
Service dogs for military veterans with PTSD.
Prince's Operation Entrepreneur (QC/NS/NL/SK)
Mental health training for business boot camp volunteers.
Roots of Empathy (Atlantic Canada)
Training for MFRC staff to deliver Roots of Empathy program in schools with children from military families.
St. John's MFRC
Equine facilitated treatment program to strengthen resilience and enhance coping and communication skills for military families.
The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre (ON)
Recreation and Creative Arts program for veterans.
Veterans Transition Network (QC/ON)
A program to help military members and veterans overcome barriers to transition into civilian life.
Wounded Warriors Canada COPE Program (ON)
A program to give hope to couples struggling with PTSD.
Media inquiries:
Jacqueline Michelis
613-785-1427
[email protected]
@Bell_News
SOURCE Bell Canada
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