Vimy Foundation Commends Federal Budget Announcement for New Education Centre

OTTAWA, March 22, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - During his Economic Action Plan speech the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, announced that $5 Million dollars would be set aside in the budget for the construction of a new Education Centre at the site of the Vimy Memorial.

The Vimy Foundation is honoured to be recognized as the main fundraising partner in the construction of a new Education Centre and commends the Federal Government's commitment as a positive first step towards making the Centre a reality. The Vimy Foundation is looking to raise $20 Million for this project.

"This is great news and a great start," said David Houghton, president of the Vimy Foundation. "I am confident that the Federal Government's commitment will help to encourage Canadians and Canadian corporations to show their pride and support for the Education Centre."

By increasing awareness of the Canadian legacy of the Battle at Vimy Ridge, and honouring the memory of those who fought and lost their lives at the site, the new Education Centre will provide an interactive environment where countless visitors from around the world can learn about the remarkable story of Canada's coming of age during the First World War.

"Having the weight of the Government of Canada behind this initiative is monumental," said Christopher Sweeney, Chair, Vimy 2017 Committee. "It allows us to take a giant leap forward towards bringing the Education Centre at the Vimy Memorial to life."

With the Government of Canada's financial support, the Vimy Foundation can now move ahead with plans for the construction of the innovative facility, with the aim of completion before the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2017.

About the Vimy Foundation

The Vimy Foundation is a registered charity founded in 2006. The mission of the Vimy Foundation is to preserve and promote Canada's First World War legacy as symbolized with the victory of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917, a milestone when Canada came of age and was then recognized on the world stage.

Inspired by those events, the Foundation created the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize, which brings together youth from Canada, the United Kingdom, and France in an effort to give them a better appreciation of their interwoven histories. As well, the foundation has introduced the Vimy Pilgrimage Award, where youth from across the country are given the opportunity to visit memorial sites in Europe. The foundation also sponsors Vimy: Canada's Coming of Age, a unique educational experience for youth at Encounters with Canada in Ottawa every year in April. To learn more, visit www.vimyfoundation.ca.

SOURCE: Vimy Foundation

Nicholas Alexandris
Executive Director
The Vimy Foundation
514-904-1007
[email protected]