Additional Attendees: Military families (including Captain Trevor Green, and Master Corporal Jody Mitic), Right Honourable Paul Martin, Michael Ignatieff, Member of Parliament, Jack Layton, Member of Parliament, Elizabeth May, Chief William Blair, Chief Sharon Stinson Henry, Don Cherry and Sam Reid

Entertainment: The Canadian Tenors, Leahy and Natalie MacMaster, Dennis Leclair, Beverley Mahood and The Fern Hill School Choir

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10^th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building)

222 Bremner Blvd., Toronto

Media accreditation is required to cover this event. Please note that space is LIMITED.

TO APPLY: Please visit www.truepatriotlove.com and click on EVENTS for accreditation information and application.

PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL BE SHOOTING FROM A DISTANCE. PLEASE BRING APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT.

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Media Contact:

Tiffany Astle - 416.628.5603

tastle@hccink.com

www.holmescreativecommunications.com

The Journey Back to Health and Fitness
(July/August edition 2009) Esprit de Corps

Master Corporal Jody Mitic of Ottawa lost both legs below the knee after stepping on a landmine while on duty in Afghanistan two-and-a-half years ago.

According to the old adage, when one door closes, another opens. Combat Medic, Sergeant Alannah Gilmore, was on-scene to treat the soldier’s severe wounds, but that was only the beginning. A relationship quickly blossomed and their lives changed in even more ways.

On the topic of meeting Sgt Gilmore, starting a new life with her, and the joys of fatherhood (they now have a beautiful baby girl, 10-month old Alaya), MCpl Mitic said recently in an interview on Canada AM, “I wouldn’t trade any of it to have my legs back. I’m pretty happy with the way life is now.” He’s even OK with his new desk job.

Attesting to both his strength of character and commitment to military service, 32-year-old Mitic has made it his mission to “get things back to normal.”

Knowing that physical fitness was key to the recovery process, he was determined to run again. He was fitted for prosthetic legs in March 2007 and put every effort into learning to walk and then to run with them. With Alannah’s unwaivering support boosting his resolve, he completed a 5km run in March 2009 (a fundraiser for disabled runners) and has now set his sights on completing his first-ever half marathon -the Canada Army Run - scheduled for 20 September in Ottawa.

Recently transferred from Petawawa to Ottawa, this tenacious soldier has made tremendous progress since being fitted with the prosthetic legs. He persevered through seven months of rehabilitation at St. John> ‘> s Rehab Hospital in Toronto, and now he’s back doing many activities he did prior to being injured, including running, hiking, and mountain biking. However, the half marathon will be the furthest distance he’s ever run, even prior to being injured.

“Completing the half marathon in Canada Army Run is important to me,” says Mitic. “It’s a milestone on my journey back to health and fitness; it’s an opportunity to thank civilians and military colleagues who have been so supportive; and it’s a chance to run with other wounded soldiers who are also making great progress on the road to recovery.”

Ottawa’s Phil Marsh has coached thousands of runners over the last 20 years, including Olympic athletes. “When I see Jodi’s determination and sheer willpower to overcome his disability - and I see how far he’s come since being injured - I am truly inspired,” says Marsh. “I hope that others who hear his story also become motivated to get involved in Canada Army Run. It’s a run unlike any other in Canada. It is a great opportunity to show our support for Canada’s troops, and it’s a chance to run side-by-side with the men and women who do so much for us at home and abroad.”

Mitic will join thousands of others who will run, walk, or wheel in the 5K or half marathon events. He will also join dozens of other soldiers who have been injured in the line of duty for a special “Salute to Injured Soldiers” at the start of each race.

“These individuals,” said Major Chris Horeczy, Run Director for Canada Army Run,” are an inspiration and a demonstration that through hard work, focus, and determination it is possible to ’soldier on’ and overcome great challenges. I have the deepest respect for the contributions and sacrifices they have made in the line of duty, and true admiration for what they have been able to accomplish. They are role models for us all, military and civilians alike.”

Fundraising efforts for Canada Army Run go to Soldier On and the Military Families Fund - charities that support injured soldiers and military families in need. After raising $66,000 for the hospital, Mitic has recently taken on the role of Outreach Coordinator for Soldier On, an initiative he benefitted from during recovery.

OTTAWA - A fund set up by former general Rick Hillier to support military families in crisis is about to get a massive shot in the arm thanks to the efforts of a private foundation.

The True Patriot Love Foundation will host a gala dinner in Toronto on Nov. 10 with the proceeds going to support the Canadian Military Families Fund.

Shaun Francis, CEO of Medcan Health Management Inc. who chairs the event, says over $1.5 million has been raised so far and after the expenses are paid he expects to present the fund with a cheque for well over $1 million.

It would be the largest single donation to the organization that was set up in 2007 by Hillier when he was chief of defence staff.

“It’ll be an enormous boost,” Hillier said of the planned donation.

“It will enable military commanders across the country to respond in the event of (family) emergencies and meet family challenges, particularly when the member is deployed around the world.”

The fund covers a variety of unanticipated short-term expenses not covered by the federal government as part of benefits provided to military members.

In launching the fund, Hillier said it was meant to complement, not replace, existing public programs.

The sharp increase in combat deaths in Afghanistan around 2006 was accompanied by a massive outpouring of public sympathy for the military.

The Defence Department found itself overwhelmed with donations of all kinds and Hillier set up the fund partly as a way to channel that support in conjunction with the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency, which administers military social programs.

The fund took in $821,000 last year, with the biggest amount coming from direct, private donations.

It dispersed just over $252,000 to military families - cash that Hillier said was vitally needed and appreciated.

“With all the stress they have, (this fund) helps keep families from breaking,” he said.

The fund was tapped to help relatives of soldiers killed in combat, who were not covered by Defence Department reimbursement, to attend the repatriation services at CFB Trenton, Ont.

It was Francis who came up with the idea of a foundation to act as a regular fundraising vehicle for the military families fund.

Both he and Hillier plan to make the dinner an annual event, moving it to different cities in the country as a way to get people involved coast-to-coast.

They chose Nov. 10 deliberately because it falls on the eve of Remembrance Day.

Read the full story here.

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE INAUGURAL TRIBUTE GALA IN SUPPORT OF THE CANADIAN MILITARY FAMILIES FUND
A Night Dedicated To Those Who Dedicate Their Lives

What:
To honour Remembrance Day, the True Patriot Love Foundation is hosting their inaugural Tribute Gala. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Canadian Military Families Fund. This is a unique opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices members of the military and their families make on Canada’s behalf.

Who:
The True Patriot Love Foundation was founded by corporate and community leaders dedicated to raising funds for programs to improve the well-being and morale of Canadian military personnel and their families while celebrating their selfless service. Each year, this new foundation will make a major gift on behalf of the Canadian military.

Attendees:
Hon. Dalton McGuinty
General Walt Natynczyk
General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier
MGEN (Ret’d) Lewis MacKenzie
Hon. Hilary Weston
Senator Linda Frum
Right Hon. Paul Martin
Hon. William Davis
Rebecca MacDonald
Don Cherry
Brett Wilson

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South Building), 222 Bremner Blvd. Toronto

Media accreditation is now open for this event and will close November 2, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Please note that space is LIMITED.

TO APPLY: Please visit www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com and click on EVENTS for accreditation information and application.

Media Contact:
Tiffany Astle - 416.628.5603
tastle@hccink.com
www.holmescreativecommunications.com

North Bay Nugget: Injured soldier joins walk

A committee led by Derik McArthur organized the Hike for a Hero to raise funds to build Kerr and his family an accessible house in Sudbury.

Natynczyk presented McArthur, Gerry Lougheed Jr. and other organizers with a Chief of Defence Staff coin during the event.

McArthur said it would be about two weeks before organizers know how many people attended the event and how much money was raised.

We are going into this with a combination of money, products and time in excess of $100,000,” said McArthur, a fellow reservist with the 2nd Irish Regiment. He said that number would rise as donations from Sunday’s walk are counted.

Natynczyk brought with him a $10,000 cheque from Shaun Francis, chairman of the True Patriot Love foundation.

Read the Full Story Here.
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True Patriot Love Foundation campaign

–Agency launches pro bono campaign as call to artists in support of Canadian military–

Toronto, ON. True Patriot Love Foundation — a non-profit organization founded by corporate and community leaders, dedicated to raising funds for programs for members of the Canadian military and their families — recently named FUSE Marketing Group Inc. its marketing agency of record. FUSE, a Toronto-based, privately held brand activation agency that offers a full range of marketing, direct, promotion, experiential and interactive services, is proud to unveil its new pro bono campaign in support of the inaugural fundraising Tribute Dinner to be held in Toronto on November 10, 2009. The event benefits the Military Families Fund established by General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier, which provides assistance to military families.

Entitled the Artists for Families program, True Patriot Love is seeking 100 Canadian artists to transform military helmets resembling those worn in combat, into works of art. The helmets, designed and donated by the artists, will be part of a silent auction at the Tribute Dinner. A symbol of protection and Canadians’ hope to keep soldiers safe, the helmets are a timeless and important tribute to the unparalleled sacrifices of our military and their families, and will represent an expression of Canadian artists’ vision of celebration. Any artist interested in contributing by painting a helmet can contact Stacey Mores (stacey.mores@fusemg.com) for more information.

FUSE was responsible for developing the creative platform and the execution of a bilingual campaign called Defining Moments, consisting of logo design, print fundraising materials and advertising including print, online and broadcast elements.

“We were asked to be a part of this extraordinary project because of our not-for-profit experience and more importantly, our personal affinity toward the important cause,” explains Garo Keresteci, president, FUSE Marketing Group Inc. and member of the True Patriot Love Committee. “With our creative platform of Defining Moments we hope to unite Canada, its people and its artistic talent to support and honour the military families of those that serve our great country,” he adds.

“We are confident in FUSE’s ability to communicate the goal for our first-ever fundraising project in a wholly unique and compelling manner,” says Shaun Francis, True Patriot Love Chair. “Canada has had many defining moments in history and our future is being written by the proud men and women of our military. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play a vital role in our next defining moment on the world stage. We want Canadians to answer the call,” Francis adds.

About True Patriot Love
True Patriot Love is an organization founded by corporate and community leaders dedicated to raising funds for programs to improve the well-being and morale of members of the Canadian military and their families, and to celebrate their selfless service. We strive to help meet the needs of Canadian heroes serving at home and abroad, as well as the needs of the families who support them. For more information on True Patriot Love, visit www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com.

About FUSE Marketing Group
FUSE Marketing Group is a creative brand activation agency known for consistently delivering ideas and results that surprise and excite. The firm is proud to be a valued partner to over a dozen leading Canadian clients. Working in a climate of true collaboration and creativity, these partnerships drive sales, build brands and grow businesses. To learn more about FUSE Marketing Group, visit www.fusemg.com.

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For additional information or to arrange an interview with a FUSE Marketing Group spokesperson, please contact Susan Willemsen or Danika Lochhead at The Siren Group Inc. Tel: (416) 926-8087. Fax : (416) 926-9712. E-mail: info@thesirengroup.com or www.thesirengroup.com.
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Retired General Rick Hillier joined Toronto business leaders high on the 54th floor of the TD Tower yesterday, to launch a fundraiser with similarly high goals.

The True Patriot Love Foundation aims to raise $1.75-million through its first charity dinner on Nov. 10 to support the Military Families Fund, which Mr. Hillier founded when he was Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff to support the families of Canadian Forces members.

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1712520
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TORONTO – Joined by prominent military, business and community leaders and military family members, Chair Shaun Francis today announced the launch of the True Patriot Love Foundation.

“The mission of True Patriot Love is to give all Canadians an opportunity to pay tribute to the quiet dedication of military families whose sacrifices they make on our behalf often go unnoticed,” said Shaun Francis, Chair. “When our soldiers serve in the name of freedom, their families make sacrifices in terms of separation, anxiety and loss.”

The organization, founded by corporate and community leaders, is dedicated to raising funds for programs to improve the well-being of members of the Canadian military and their families, and to celebrate their selfless service. The Foundation strives to help meet the needs of Canadian heroes serving at home and abroad, as well as the needs of the families who support them.

The Foundation’s signature event is the annual True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner, with the inaugural event taking place on the eve of Remembrance Day (November 10, 2009) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. To date, the Foundation has raised approximately $300,000 towards its goal of $1.75 million+ for the Dinner. With over 1,500 guests in attendance including military family members, the program will feature political and military leaders as well as Canadian artists and entertainers.

The proceeds of this year’s Tribute Dinner will be dedicated to the Military Families Fund (MFF), established and championed by General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier when he was Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff. The purpose of the MFF is to quickly step in to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often urgent needs that have resulted from conditions of service, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk.

The Honourary Chair of the Tribute Dinner is General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier and the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk is the Guest Speaker.

“I am impressed by your energy and dedication to make the True Patriot Love Gala a hallmark fundraiser for the Military Families Fund,” said General Walt Natynczyk. “Our families are the strength behind the uniform and we have made a promise to them that we will care for them. We will care for them and we will care for our wounded warriors.”

Many other great Canadians have lent their names to the event including Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Michael Ignatieff, Jack Layton and Elizabeth May.

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For further information please contact the following:

Ms. Bronwen Evans
Director, True Patriot Love Foundation
bronwenevans@truepatriotlovefoundation.com
416-350-8374

Karen Miller, Fundraising and Dinner Director at the Dinner Office at K.I.M. Inc.
kim.inc@rogers.com
416-224-9990
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Thurs. June 18, 2009, TD Bank Tower, 66 Wellington St W. 54th Fl., 11:30 AM

What do Harper, Ignatieff and Layton and May all agree on? They agree Canadians need to stand up for the families of those who put their lives on the line every day in the name of freedom.

Like many other great Canadians, Harper, Ignatieff, Layton and May have lent their names to the True Patriot Love Foundation because they understand the sacrifices families make to allow our soldiers to serve.

Join us with Gen (Ret’d) Rick Hillier and other supporters as we officially launch the True Patriot Love Foundation. The Foundation was established by Shaun Francis, Chairman & CEO, Medcan Health Management Inc. We will be announcing the details of a Tribute Dinner in support of the Canadian Military Families Fund, established by Gen Hillier to address the urgent and unforeseen needs of military families.

This initiative has brought together political, corporate and community leaders who want to recognize the contributions of Canadian military families. The committee plans to raise 1.75 + million dollars in our first year.

For further information please contact the following:

Ms. Bronwen Evans
Director, Military Families Fund
bronwenevans@truepatriotlovefoundation.com
(416) 350-8374
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