TORONTO, April 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Mackenzie Financial Corporation (Mackenzie Investments) announced today that it is the platinum sponsor of the True Patriot Love Scotiabank Mackenzie Expedition that will celebrate Sir Alexander Mackenzie's first crossing of North America in 1793.
True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) is a national charity with the mission to inspire every Canadian to contribute to the resilience and wellbeing of military and Veteran families. To celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation, the organization is pairing up teams of Canadian business leaders with ill and injured soldiers to explore three of the most challenging and remote locations across the country. The "Best of Canada Expedition Series" will raise critical funds for programs and services that support Veterans and their families as they transition into civilian life. The "Mackenzie expedition" – which Mackenzie Investments is sponsoring – will recreate the last leg of Mackenzie's monumental journey through British Columbia.
"As a firm with a long-standing commitment to philanthropy and being part of the communities we serve, we wanted to do something special to celebrate not only Canada 150, but our own 50th anniversary. The TPL Scotiabank Mackenzie Expedition is the perfect opportunity for us to mark these monumental occasions," said Barry McInerney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mackenzie Investments. "True Patriot Love Foundation's work to support Canada's Veterans and their families helps in so many ways and we are honoured to contribute to those efforts."
David Faassen, Senior Vice President Marketing for Mackenzie Investments, will take part in a two-week journey along with other business leaders and soldiers through British Columbia retracing the steps that the explorer Mackenzie did 224 years ago. In July, the team will hike over the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, white-water raft down the Bella Coola River and then paddle ocean canoes out to the explorer's historic inscription: "First crossing of North America by land, July 22, 1793 in the Pacific."
"I'm looking forward to getting out on the trail and retracing the historical steps that Sir Alexander Mackenzie took," said Faassen. "Raising awareness and critical funds for our brave Veterans and their families is at the heart of this mission and I can't think of a better way to honour them."
Bronwen Evans, CEO of True Patriot Love Foundation said, "True Patriot Love is grateful to Mackenzie Investments for its incredible support of the Mackenzie Expedition. These expeditions provide a rare opportunity for business leaders and soldier participants to connect in unique and meaningful ways. Corporate leaders leave with an enhanced understanding of a soldier's skill set and the tremendous value they can offer to the workforce, while the soldier participants forge new mentor relationships that directly benefit them as they transition into the civilian workforce. Without the support of partners like Mackenzie Investments these expeditions wouldn't be possible."
North Pole Expedition participant Bruno Guévremont explained his experience with TPL: "True Patriot Love has opened the doors of opportunity for me. When I was first asked to go on the North Pole Expedition, I was uncertain of what to expect and where I was on my road to recovery. The Expedition, the struggles and the austere environment provided the right tools to help me deal with some of my toughest issues. Coupled with the unending care and willingness to help from every single business leader, it made this stage of my journey a complete success."
About True Patriot Love Foundation
Since 2009, True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) has provided more than $18 million to support military families, including supporting more than 100 community-based programs across the country that address the unique challenges resulting from service including mental health, physical rehabilitation, transitioning to civilian life, and the special needs of children. In addition, TPL contributes to advancements in research and technology through our $5 million commitment to the Canadian Institute for Military and Veterans Health Research (Queen's University). For more information, visit www.truepatriotlove.com
About Mackenzie Investments
Mackenzie Investments was founded in 1967, and is a leading investment management firm providing investment advisory and related services. With $65.6 billion in assets under management as of February 28, 2017, Mackenzie Investments distributes its investment services through multiple distribution channels to both retail and institutional investors. Mackenzie Investments is a member of the IGM Financial Inc. (TSX: IGM) group of companies. IGM Financial is one of Canada's premier financial services companies with $145 billion in total assets under management as of February 28, 2017. For more information, visit mackenzieinvestments.com.
SOURCE Mackenzie Financial Corporation
Trish Tervit, Director, Communications and Media Relations, Mackenzie Investments, 416-967-2166, [email protected]; Laura Hearn, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, True Patriot Love Foundation, 647-213-4631, [email protected]
Share this article