Team of injured soldiers and Veterans, along with business executives, successfully reach Everest Base Camp, raising $1 million for charity providing critical support to Canadian military families.
TORONTO, April 26, 2018 /CNW/ - On April 1st, a team of ill and injured soldiers and Veterans, along with business leaders from across Canada, arrived in Nepal as part of the True Patriot Love Scotiabank Expedition: Himalayas.
The team's objective was to raise funds for True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL), a national charity which provides critical support to military families, by successfully trekking to Everest Base Camp and then summiting the near-by 20,000-ft. peak of Lobuche East. This physically and mentally demanding adventure successfully concluded on April 18th and has so far raised more than $1 million for the charity.
Funds raised will be used to help address the unique challenges military families face as a result of their service to this country, including mental health, physical rehabilitation, transitioning to civilian life, and the special needs of children.
For the participants, it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that gave them the opportunity to not only achieve the fundraising goal but to refocus and find new purpose.
"Through the course of the expedition, I realized I spent so much of my energy suppressing my thoughts, feelings and emotions that I became numb to everything and everyone around me. For the first time in 12 years, I was focused and the energy I used to spend to not feel anything was used to feel everything I possibly could," says Eric Fleming, a military participant from Alberta.
For Chris Power, a Veteran pursuing a career as a professional coach, trainer and speaker, the experience was transformative. "This expedition wasn't about making it to the summit of Lobuche East, it was about proving to myself that I am more than a military rank," he says. "Every step, every conversation, every experience along this journey made me proud to be who I am today and has inspired me to dedicate my efforts to help serving, transitioning and retired CAF members discover who they are beyond the rank."
TPL Founding Director and CEO, Bronwen Evans, joined the participants on this expedition. "It was a privilege to share this experience with our brave soldiers and Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Their skills, strength and resilience are an inspiration to us all. They've given so much; it's our turn to give back, especially to those who have suffered an illness or injury. This is where TPL steps in and we want to inspire all Canadians to lend their support as well," says Evans.
Previous expeditions, including the Himalayas (2012), North Pole (2014), Antarctica (2016) and the Best of Canada Series (2017), have raised more than $7 million.
TPL is grateful for the sponsors of this year's expedition, including title sponsor Scotiabank, and Medcan, Baffin and Milborne Group.
About True Patriot Love:
True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) is a national charity dedicated to providing Canadian military and Veteran families with the support they need and the hope they deserve. 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, TPL has helped change the lives of more than 25,000 military families. For more information, visit www.truepatriotlove.com.
SOURCE True Patriot Love Foundation
For media enquiries, including interview opportunities, please contact: Laura Hearn, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, True Patriot Love Foundation, 647-213-4631, [email protected]
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