True Patriot Love Foundation launches Canadian arctic expedition for wounded soldiers

TORONTO, May 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Today at the fifth annual Warrior Games, the True Patriot Love Foundation launched their new Arctic expedition presented by Scotiabank in support of Canadian soldiers who have been injured on duty.

The True Patriot Love Expedition: Arctic Circle will take place in spring 2014. This two-week initiative to the Magnetic North Pole will showcase Canada's best resources: the military, the leadership of the nation's corporations, and the rare natural landscape of the Canadian Arctic.

The announcement comes fittingly during the closing of the Warrior Games, which introduces injured service members and veterans to Paralympic sport competition. Similar to the True Patriot Love expedition, the event also encourages activity and recovery among those who have been wounded while on duty.

"As Canada's largest foundation supporting military families, True Patriot Love is honoured to present this expedition on behalf of our country's soldiers. This Expedition builds on the significant precedents set by parallel organizations in the United Kingdom and the United States," said Shaun Francis, Chair and Founder of True Patriot Love.

Twelve soldiers, wounded while on duty, will pair with twelve corporate leaders to complete this mission. True Patriot Love co-founder and Chair, Shaun Francis, will be joined by co-chairs Tim Hodgson, former Special Advisor to Governor Mark Carney of the Bank of Canada and current Managing Partner of Alignvest Capital Management, and Paul Desmarais III of Great West Life.

"Soldiers and their families make sacrifices every day that keep us safe and secure, and our society strong and prosperous. Scotiabank is proud to support these brave men and women participating in the True Patriot Love Expedition," said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank's CEO.

Minister Peter MacKay, the Minister of National Defence supported the initiative, stating, "Twelve Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans will ski to the North Pole, and many, many more individuals and organizations are lending their support. That's the Canadian way. On behalf of the Government of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, I want to express my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this Expedition."

Soldier team applications will be made available starting Thursday, May 16th on www.truepatriotlove.com.

About True Patriot Love Foundation:
True Patriot Love honours the sacrifices of members of the Canadian Forces, Veterans and their families by stepping in where government is unable to fund programs that support their physical, mental and social wellbeing no matter where they are posted in Canada or abroad, promoting their special skills and capabilities resulting from their unique conditions of service, and being a channel for everyday Canadians, corporations and philanthropists to express their appreciation and patriotism

The True Patriot Love Expedition builds on the Foundation's leadership of Canadian veterans transition initiatives, including a multinational symposium to be held this fall in London, UK, on veterans transition issues.

About Scotiabank:
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: True Patriot Love Foundation

Media Contact:
Hilary Coles, Manager of Communications and PR
True Patriot Love Foundation
[email protected]
416.628.4972