CALGARY, April 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Calgary's business, political and community leaders came out in force tonight to support Canada's military families, raising more than $1.2 million for The True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL). The money raised from tonight's Tribute Dinner will support programs in Western Canada that address the Foundation's three areas of focus: mental health and well-being, physical health and rehabilitation, and family health and support.
"Unfortunately, our military families often feel disconnected from the very people that they serve. This dinner gives Calgarians the opportunity to stand behind our military families and thank them for the sacrifices they make on behalf of all Canadians," said Laureen Harper, who served as Honorary Chair of tonight's event with Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health and MP for Edmonton-Spruce Grove.
Presented by Tim Hortons, the Calgary Tribute Dinner took place at the BMO Centre. More than 1,000 guests from Calgary's business, political and philanthropic communities attended, including The Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta and The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence. Other major corporate sponsors included ATCO, Mediaco, ADGA and MEG Energy. The evening featured a special musical performance by Canada's Tom Cochrane and Red Rider.
"When I returned from my second tour overseas, I lost my sense of purpose and didn't know what I was qualified to do in the civilian world," said Sergeant (Ret'd) Scott Gullion, who participated in a TPL-funded program in 2011 and remains involved with the program to this day. "Thanks to True Patriot Love, I was able to feel that other Canadians valued that we had been willing "to stand on guard for thee." Funded by Canadians for Canadians, the Foundation made me feel that Canadians valued the years I spent in service."
Image with caption: "Pictured: Vice Chair Michael Burns, Laureen Harper, Rona Ambrose, and Sgt (Ret'd) Scott Gullion (CNW Group/True Patriot Love Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140404_C8718_PHOTO_EN_38863.jpg
SOURCE: True Patriot Love Foundation
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Hilary Coles
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