Donate

With 2020 coming to a close and as we look back at the year, it’s clear that our lives have been profoundly impacted by the public health crisis. While the pandemic has presented us with many challenges, it has also revealed many examples of courage, resilience and compassion. We witnessed this when members of our Canadian Armed Forces answered the call of duty to assist some of our most vulnerable citizens in long term care homes, and they continue to play a crucial role in managing the vaccine roll-out. We watched our program partners rise to the challenge and adapt their services to continue supporting the military community that depended on them. We also saw great generosity from donors and supporters like you who gave to help servicemembers, Veterans and their families who need us now more than ever.

True Patriot Love has also remained committed to supporting the brave individuals of our military despite the difficulties brought on by the pandemic, and we are grateful to donors like you for enabling our important work. Listed below are a few examples of programs and initiatives that showcase how we’re positively impacting Canada's military and Veteran community in an unprecedented year, thanks to your support.

At a time filled with so much uncertainty, several programs funded by True Patriot Love have provided essential support and resources to hundreds of serving members, Veterans and their families.

We were proud to expedite the selection of the Bell TPL Fund grants to five organizations such as the Valcartier Military Family Resource Centre and Project Trauma Support to provide timely mental health support to the military and Veteran community. We were also pleased to have funded Camp Maple Leaf’s camp at home program, which allowed youth from military families to take part in a camp experience when the in-person sessions were cancelled.

Some of these powerful impact stories were shared at the 12th Annual Tribute Gala this November, including Sgt (Retired) Timothy Wedesweiler’s story of gaining new purpose through Team Rubicon as he transitions out of the military, and Theresa Roy’s story of drawing on her experience to help youth from military families through her role as a Crisis Responder at Kids Help Phone. View their stories below.
 

​​​​​​     

 

The Tribute Gala, presented by Bell, was virtual for the first time ever and was streamed live to Canadians across the country. The event continued the tradition of honouring those who serve, those who have worn the uniform in the past and their families and featured remarks from leaders and dignitaries, a conversation with military personnel from across Canada and abroad, and a special performance by The Singing Soldiers. The Gala raised close to $900,000 for the military and Veteran community, and our sincere thanks to all event attendees and sponsors for making this possible.
 

 

Every year, the Patriot Award is announced during the Gala to honour an individual or organization that has made an outstanding philanthropic contribution to the resilience and well-being of Canada’s military community. In light of the unprecedented events of this year, the award was re-evaluated. For the first time ever the Patriot Award was presented to all members of the Canadian Armed Forces for their outstanding efforts and dedication in supporting Canadians during COVID-19. General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff, accepted the award on behalf of our brave individuals in uniform.
 

General Jonathan Vance accepts the Patriot Award on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces
 

Watch the full Tribute Gala here

 

News coverage of the Tribute Gala

In case you missed it, below are news clips from the event:​​​
Toronto Sun
Canadian Military Family Magazine

A ground-breaking healing expedition for servicemembers and frontline healthcare workers
 

A key component of the annual Tribute Gala is to identify a program that will make a measurable difference in the lives of the military community and fundraise for this cause throughout the event. 
 

Many within the military community can offer valuable lessons on managing adversity and building resilience through their experiences in a challenging career. To commemorate Mental Illness Awareness Week this past October, True Patriot love hosted a Virtual Fireside Chat about lessons in resiliency from leading women in the military community. Attendees heard as Rear-Admiral Rebecca Patterson, Captain (Retired) Mary Ann Barber and military family member Marie-Andree Malette shared insight into their experience facing difficult situations and provided candid lessons on coping with mental illness.  

The Virtual Fireside Chat was in honour of Captain Nichola Goddard, an outstanding leader who inspired many with her courage and resolve. She became the first Canadian woman soldier to die in combat at the age of 26.  The Captain Nichola Goddard Fund in her name provides national grants to benefit community programs that support servicewomen, Veteran women and families in need. True Patriot Love is honoured to have managed the fund on the family's behalf since 2018.

View the resiliency Fireside Chat here, and check out the For Her Country podcast here and the For Her Country Fireside Chat here. 

In March 2021, True Patriot Love will host another event showcasing exceptional women in Canada’s military in honour of Captain Goddard. Stay tuned for more details in the new year. 

Thank you
 

Thank you for once again standing with us during this unprecedented year and for your enduring support. Without you, True Patriot Love would not be able to carry out its important mission of funding vital community-based programs for those most in need within Canada’s military and Veteran community. Our best wishes to you for the holiday season and a happy and healthy 2021.