Dear supporters and friends,
‘Tis the season to reflect. Canada Company had a productive 2021, and though we were apart, we found ways to unite virtually and celebrate our successes. I want to thank you for your continued support throughout the year, and I am proud to share the incredible things you have made possible.
I would also like to thank the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces who make sacrifices every day to protect and serve our country. Back in 2006, we committed to ensuring these heroes receive the support, care, and recognition they deserve, and we continued to do so this year.
2021 started with a donation to Camp Maple Leaf, a sleepover summer camp for children of Canadian military families and children living with unique challenges. Following our donation in 2020 that helped expand their Arts & Crafts Centre, we provided support to purchase all the required materials to upgrade and renovate the Annex building at camp. We also provided support for 77 children of military families to attend summer camps across the country.
Through the years, Canada Company has been building bridges between military members and business leaders with our Strategic Knowledge Exchange (SKE) program. In May 2021, in partnership with the National Bank, the Quebec chapter of Canada Company hosted our first virtual SKE. It consisted of a moderated panel discussion on the Reserve Force and its links to the business community.
As tribute to military members who lost their lives during the War in Afghanistan, Canada Company has managed the installation and dedication of light-armoured vehicle (LAV III) monuments across the country. On June 6, 2021, our 30th LAV III Monument was unveiled in Regina, Saskatchewan. It will forever stand in reverence and respect for the service and sacrifice of 40,000 Canadians who served in Afghanistan.
In August, our 14th annual Canada Company Scholarship Presentation Ceremony was held virtually to recognize our 2021 recipients and remember the ultimate sacrifice their loved ones made serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. We were honoured to hear from retired Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield, General Wayne Eyre, and Chief Petty Officer First Class Gilles Grégoire. In recognition of Janet Russell’s 14 years as the Canada Company’s Scholarship program manager, we launched the Russell Dinner, which will be held annually for scholarship recipients and guests.
In the fall, we introduced a new program to support Junior Canadian Rangers in difficult times or during emergencies. The program provides funding to help pay for travel to attend a parent or guardian’s funeral, counselling services in crisis situations, or other meaningful initiatives that support Junior Canadian Rangers and their community.
We were proud to present bursaries to 26 motivated youth in the Cadet movements and 10 more to Junior Canadian Rangers. These bursaries will support them as they pursue learning opportunities and realize their dreams. Since 2019, we have presented bursaries to 81 outstanding recipients. We look forward to supporting many more Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers in 2022.
The Je Me Souviens (I Remember) team developed and produced a new military history educational module on the October Crisis as well as four new or improved virtual exhibitions that reached an increasing number of teachers and students at the secondary school levels, virtually and in person where possible.
Finally, Canada Company was honoured to receive a commendation from the Office of the Veterans Ombud for having provided close to $800,000 in scholarships to the children of Canada’s fallen military members. A special thank you goes to Adam Naismith, one of our very first scholarship recipients, for nominating Canada Company for this prestigious commendation.
As you can see, despite the continuing COVID restrictions, we had an excellent year, and all of this was possible thanks to our supporters, corporate partners, and friends. We truly could not have done it without you. Thanks to you, Canada Company will always be here to Serve Those Who Serve in all the ways we can.
This holiday season, I ask for your recommitment to Canada Company. See below for the ways your contributions can make an impact.
Thank you for your continued support, and best wishes to you and your family for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
Best wishes,
Blake C. Goldring, C.M., M.S.M., CD
Founder and Chairman of Canada Company