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As the pandemic continues - with restrictions beginning to loosen - we are beginning to see the light, with Operation Vector sending vaccines across the country and the number of Canadians vaccinated increasing daily. True Patriot Love Foundation remains committed to standing by the individuals who serve our country and supporting those most in need, especially as they stand up for us once again in our health care settings.
The past few months have been busy for True Patriot Love. We hosted the 3rd Annual Captain Nichola Goddard Leadership event in March (virtual for the first time), where we acknowledged International Women’s Day (March 8), a time to celebrate the achievements of women, raise awareness about gender bias and find ways to create equality.
Also in March, we launched our first ever virtual expedition, bringing together the civilian and military community across Canada for an online challenge that helped combat the ongoing mental health concerns that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. There was such positive feedback that we are aiming to repeat this virtual challenge in early 2022.
In April, we highlighted the month of the military child, acknowledging the challenges faced by military families this past year and highlighting resources provided by our partners to support our military families.
While the ongoing pandemic has made us adapt, it also provided an opportunity to reach out and build deeper connections, reaffirming our commitment to the military community across Canada, and across the globe.
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Carrying forward the legacy of Capt. Nichola Goddard
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The 3rd Annual Captain Nichola Goddard Leadership
Roundtable presented by Bennett Jones featured a keynote address from Brigadier General Krista Brodie followed by interactive breakout discussions facilitated by remarkable women from the Canadian Armed Forces and hosted by leaders from the business sector. The virtual guided discussions examined insights acquired by women service members and consider ways by which these experiences can inform leadership skills and the future of work in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Currently women are underrepresented in the military and account for only 15% of the Canadian Armed Forces. Female members of the Canadian military face unique challenges related to their service such as a higher risk of military-related sexual assault than their male counterparts, and a higher likelihood of mental disorders such as PTSD for women who report military-related sexual assault. In addition, 40% of the military personnel released each year will experience a psychological injury requiring support and treatment, and female Veterans have an 81% higher risk of suicide than the general female population.
Thanks to your generous support, True Patriot will continue to support programs across the country that are helping to change these statistics, that are providing women military members and Veterans with resources, tools and support to deal with the trauma of military sexual assault and are working to elevate women members to positions of leadership within the Canadian Armed Forces.
“It was truly a pleasure to be a part of True Patriot Love’s event which showcased exceptional women in Canada’s military, in honour of Captain Goddard. Alamos Gold was honoured to be a sponsor, and to help recognize the work that True Patriot Love carries to support vital community-based programs for those most in need within Canada’s military and veteran community.
We had a great conversation with these two women – one in the Army and one in the Navy – about one theme: resiliency. They provided valuable insight on building resilience in challenging careers, which they gained through their training, day-to-day jobs and multiple postings. Given the challenges of COVID-19 and importance of remaining resilient, this topic was particularly relevant and timely. It was truly an insightful event which we were delighted to participate in, and which will surely leave a lasting and positive impression among all attendees.”
Rebecca Thompson - VP, Public Affairs, Alamos Gold
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Programs supporting children from military and Veteran families
The Military Lifestyle Podcast
 If you love podcasts, this one’s for you! This special episode of The Military Lifestyle Podcast covers how hard military lifestyle is on children and why physical and mental health is so important. Thanks to your generosity, True Patriot Love is honoured to support this important program that is helping communities stay connected during these times of isolation. Click here to listen.
Launched in 2019, “The Military Lifestyle Podcast” explores deployments, postings, and transitions through interviews with experts in the community, military members and military-connected family members. The goal of the podcast is to help people prepare for that lifestyle and all that it might encompass.
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New Creative Arts Funding
We are thrilled to be the recipients of a grant from the Veterans Affairs Canada Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund for our new Creative Arts initiative.
This investment will provide evidence-informed support for activities such as music, arts and other creative endeavors – activities that have shown to positively impact the physical and mental wellness of active military, Veterans and those who are transitioning to civilian life. Examples of programs include family paint nights, guitar lessons, working with clay and woodworking. Over time, the goal is to develop a robust offering of dramatic and performance art as a form of recovery and rehabilitation for those who have been injured or become ill as a result of their service. Learn More
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Bell True Patriot Love Fund Open for Applications
The Bell True Patriot Love Fund is a $1 million, multi-year initiative that provides annual grants of $5,000 to $75,000 to community mental health programs for serving military members, Veterans and their families.
A thousand Canadian military personnel are medically released each year, with 40% of them returning home with psychological injuries. Since its launch in 2013, the Bell True Patriot Love Fund has provided 100 grants to organizations across the country that work to improve access to mental health care.
Applications are being accepted June 28 to Aug 13. Learn More
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Continuing our Adventure Journeys - Digitally and In Person
This past March, we brought together members of the military and civilian community to travel digitally across Canada as a team. As a group, our 200 participants collected a whopping 45,000km, 8x the length of Canada. Through a virtual platform, teammates skied, ran, cycled and walked their way from milestone to milestone, learning about the impact of True Patriot Love along the way. The group raised an impressive $60,000 to support the Military and Veteran community across Canada. Thank you to Lebert Fitness for generously donating three prize packs to our top Military and Civilian participants. Read More
1st Annual Virtual Expedition
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, True Patriot Love recognized that Veterans and frontline healthcare workers may be facing common mental health challenges that have been magnified over the last 16 months. Their shared experience in high-pressure crisis situations, coupled with exhaustion and trauma provides a unique opportunity to share stories, acquire new skills, and grow their support networks. A new partnership with Warrior Adventures Canada, a charity owned by Veterans with experience in outdoor adventures, will bring together Veterans and frontline healthcare workers to support their mental health and well-being. The first expedition will take place July 3 to July 9, with a second expedition heading out July 10. We look forward to sharing stories of the impact of this journey. Learn More
A journey of healing through the Canadian wilderness
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Save the Date: 13th Annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala
 On November 10, 2021, Canada’s corporate and community leaders and families will come together to celebrate the 13th Annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala. The event will honour Canadian military members, Veterans and their families.
For the first time ever, we will have a special virtual interactive pre-event activity to encourage attendees to have their children involved with this extraordinary event. Learn More
As we all navigate the unchartered territory of the COVID-19 pandemic, True Patriot Love’s commitment to serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families remains strong and focused. Please consider making a generous donation today to continue supporting the military and Veteran community during the present crisis and beyond.
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