True Patriot Love Foundation raises over $2 million in support of military
families

    
    Prime Minister and Premiers Unite in Support of Largest Fundraiser for
    Military Families
    

TORONTO , Nov. 10 /CNW/ - Chair Shaun Francis tonight announced at the True Patriot Love Foundation inaugural gala that the Foundation has raised over $2 million in support of Canadian military families.

"Tonight, we have most of our country's leaders assembled, but we are not here as Conservative, Liberal, NDP or Green. We are here as fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and friends, and most importantly as citizens of this great country," said Francis.

This is the largest fundraiser for military families in Canadian history and the money raised will be donated to the Military Families Fund. The purpose of the Fund is to quickly step in to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often urgent needs that have resulted from conditions of service, including rehabilitation after an injury, educational support for children with special needs on remote bases, financial assistance in the case of injury or death, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk.

"I am in awe by the overwhelming support to the Canadian Forces and their families shown here tonight," said Master Corporal Jody Mitic , who was recognized by Prime Minister Harper. "Such outward visible support is a huge morale boost to the troops."

Over 1,700 guests attended the dinner at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, including military families (including Captain Trevor Green , and Master Corporal Jody Mitic ), The Right Honourable Prime Minister Harper, The Honourable David C. Onley, Premier McGuinty, Right Honourable Paul Martin , M.P. Michael Ignatieff, M.P. Jack Layton , Elizabeth May , Chief William Blair , Chief Sharon Stinson Henry, Don Cherry and Sam Reid .

General Natynczyk delivered the keynote address, General (Ret'd) Rick Hillier was the Honourary Chair, and CTV's Lisa LaFlamme and the Honourable Bill Davis were the Masters of Ceremony. Entertainment for the evening included the Canadian Tenors, Leahy and Natalie MacMaster, Dennis Leclair , Beverley Mahood and The Fern Hill School Choir. Telus was the lead sponsor for the evening.

"Tonight we recognize the outstanding service to Canada by our men and women in uniform. We appreciate the love, care and support by their families," said General Walt Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. "And especially in this week of remembrance, we celebrate our Veterans - those who trained us, who showed us the way, who showed us what right looks like. Those who went overseas and made the supreme sacrifice so that we could live in peace."

"Canadians do a tremendous job of recognizing the sacrifices made by our parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents," said Francis. "But it's equally important that Veterans Week includes recognizing the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform and their families are making today. That is the mission of the True Patriot Love Foundation."

The True Patriot Love Foundation, founded by corporate and community leaders, is dedicated to raising funds for programs to improve the wellbeing of members of the Canadian military and their families, and to celebrate their selfless service. The Foundation strives to help meet the needs of Canadian heroes serving at home and abroad, as well as the needs of the families who support them.

For further information: Ms. Bronwen Evans, Director, True Patriot Love Foundation, [email protected], [phone], [phone] - cell