To learn more about the expedition and how you can support, please visit www.expeditionhimalayas.ca

October 2, 2012 – Toronto ON

Today, the True Patriot Love Expedition presented by Scotiabank proudly announced its expedition team at Toronto Stock Exchange market opening ceremony. True Patriot Love Managing Director Bronwen Evans and Expedition Co-Chair Rocco Rossi joined Ronald Alepian, Vice President and Group Head Communications and Marketing of TMX Group, a generous sponsor of the premier Expedition. The Expedition begins Friday, October 5^th, when a group of Canadian Forces veterans injured on duty depart to test their limits in the Himalayas as part of their recovery. Their three-week climb to Everest Base Camp and then on to summit Island Peak at 20,305 feet is widely regarded to be one of the greatest adventures in the world.

Bronwen Evans announced the Expedition team, comprised of servicemen and women from across Canada, “True Patriot Love is honoured to announce our soldier team today at the Market Open. Given the real need for veterans transition support within Canada, this shows a terrific commitment by corporate Canada to support our servicemembers and their families”. The True Patriot Love Expedition Soldier Team 2012 is made up of:

Peter Burcew Master Corporal, 11 years of service, still serving – Montreal, QC

Neal Carman Corporal, 8 years of service, still serving – Mission, BC

Chris Drewes Sergeant, 8 years of service, still serving – Thunder Bay, ON

François Dupéré Corporal, 15 years of service, still serving – Repentigny, QC

Corey Hatt, Corporal 10 years of service, still serving – Whitby, ON

Brian Hyland Corporal, 9 years of service, still serving – Canmore, AB

Carl Keenan Corporal, 4 years of service, retired – Ottawa, ON

David Macdonald Corporal, 7 years of service, still serving – Toronto, ON

Roseanna Mandy Sergeant, 18 years of service, still serving – Ottawa, ON

Matthew Nilson Sergeant, 16 years of service, still serving – Camrose, AB

Michelle Quinton-Hickey Lieutenant (Navy), 22 years of service, retired – Inverary, ON

Craig Tourangeau Sergeant, 12 years of service, retired -  Milton, ON

The soldier team will be joined by a team of Canadian business leaders headed by co-chairs Shaun Francis, Tim Hodgson, and Rocco Rossi. Their journey will be chronicled by CBC, as part of a groundbreaking multi-platform effort, called MARCH TO THE TOP, which follows the team as they attempt to climb Island Peak as part of their rediscovery of self and their emotional, physical and mental rehabilitation. It’s about what these soldiers are doing next in their lives, and what they need to do to get there. MARCH TO THE TOP and Expedition coverage will consist of:

• CBC News continuing coverage of their climb begins October 3^rd for the duration of their expedition, and will be featured on CBC News Network, The National, CBC Radio, and online.
• A PROPER SEND OFFmusical tribute with Canadian country legend Paul Brandt performed in an intimate and rustic setting beneath the Rocky Mountains, will air:
  •  Monday, Oct. 15 at 8:30 p.m./9 p.m. NT, on CBC TV
  • Saturday, Oct. 20 at 8:00 p.m. ET, on CBC News Network
  • Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. ET, on documentary
  • Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m. ET, on bold
• The interactive MARCH TO THE TOP website, features exclusive stories, blogs, and videos of the soldiers in their quest for rehabilitation, and will chronicle their progress as they make their ascent to the summit.
• The exclusive, MARCH TO THE TOP feature-length film will air Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 at 8 p.m. ET on documentary, and the 60 minute documentary will air Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m./8:30 p.m. NT on CBC TV.

ABOUT TRUE PATRIOT LOVE
True Patriot Love is a national foundation that supports and honours members of the Canadian military and their families. It was founded by a group of citizens dedicated to building bridges between Canadian civilians and their military, in order to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. In celebrating the patriotism of our military families, our foundation also strives to inspire Canadians to serve their country, whether it’s in or out of uniform. To learn more please visit www.truepatriotlove.com

MEDIA CONTACT
Hilary Coles
Manager, Communications and PR & Expedition Manager
hcoles@truepatriotlove.com  647.227.5238

TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2012 /CNW/ – The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, together with HelenaGottschling, Senior Vice-President, Leadership and Organizational Development, Royal Bank of Canada, joined the True Patriot Love Foundation and the Treble Victor Group in their third annual Veterans on Bay Street event today. This unique event, highlighting post-military careers, provides an opportunity for former military professionals to network with one another and to connect with community business leaders.

“Our Government wants to ensure that Canada’s heroes have the care and support they need after serving our country,” said Minister Blaney. “Veterans Affairs Canada assists Canadian Veterans in transitioning from military to civilian life. I applaud the Treble Victor Group, the True Patriot Love Foundation, and the Royal Bank of Canada for demonstrating their commitment to Veterans as well as men and women in uniform of the Canadian Forces.”

Minister Blaney spoke about how the numerous programs available through the New Veterans Charter, implemented in 2006, that responds to a range of transition challenges—from vocational rehabilitation to assistance with career transition. “As a government, we are continually exploring opportunities to work with private and public sector organizations to help Veterans become successful in the civilian workforce” said Minister Blaney.

“True Patriot Love is proud to be working with Veterans Affairs in leading this initiative which will engage Canadian corporate leaders to provide solutions to the systemic barriers that prevent Veterans from making a smooth transition to civilian employment,” said Shaun Francis, Founder and Chair, True Patriot Love. ”Today in Canada, the tremendous skills developed over the course of a military career, such as the ability to think on your feet, loyalty, teamwork and leadership, are often overlooked or misunderstood by employers. We owe it to the men and women who have put themselves in harm’s way in the name of freedom and democracy to solve this problem, and this can only be accomplished if government, charities and the private sector work together.”

The True Patriot Love Foundation and the Treble Victor Group are true leaders at bringing awareness to the transition of military to post military careers for men and women in uniform of the Canadian Forces.

“The true impact of war is finally being addressed at home and unemployment must continue to be on our radar if we truly want to help Veterans in their transition from military to the work force,” said Don Ludlow, Vice President, Royal Bank of Canada and Founding Member of Treble Victor Group. “Having left the Forces myself, I know firsthand the value that initiatives like the Battlefield to Boardroom career conference have in combating the challenges that exist in the transition process. Clearly, getting understanding and support from those who have successfully transitioned from the military ensures that our soldiers can reach their full potential in their second careers and continue to make great contributions to Canadian society.”

“Over the course of their careers, men and women in uniforms of the Canadian Forces develop highly transferable skills. A military resume should not limit or be a barrier to working in corporate Canada as many skills are applicable, such as leadership, human resource management, team work, excelling under stress and project management, to name a few,” said Helena Gottschling, Senior Vice-President, Leadership and Organizational Development, Royal Bank of Canada. “There are many talents and skills acquired through one’s military career that often get overlooked and we’re endeavouring to jump over that hurdle.”

This annual event brings awareness to employment-related issues Veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. Another event, a career conference for Veterans, will be hosted by the True Patriot Love Foundation and the Treble Victor Group on January 29, 2013, in Toronto.

For more information on the True Patriot Love Foundation, please visit www.truepatriotlove.com; the Treble Victor Group, please visit www.treblevictor.org; and Veterans Affairs Canada’s programs and services, please visitveterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE PRESENTS THE TRI-NATIONAL MILITARY MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
September 24, 2012 – Washington, D.C.

The True Patriot Love Foundation was proud to host military and mental health leaders from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom today at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C., to facilitate a teaming effort across multiple disciplines and countries that addresses the most critical military mental health issues, and to share best practices in order to promote successful outcomes for military members, veterans, and their family members.

“The True Patriot Love Foundation has shown extraordinary leadership by organizing this symposium in Washington. This event reinforces the fact that collaboration and cooperation are key to tackling and treating mental health injuries. These issues transcend organizational boundaries and territorial borders,” said the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Walt Natynczyk, Symposium keynote speaker. “While we are making progress in breaking down ‘old school’ barriers to the identification and treatment of mental health issues, we still have much work to do to overcome the stigma and accelerate treatment. We will continue to work with our allies, partners and professional medical organizations to ensure those who need help, get it. We owe those who have sacrificed so much, the very best support we are able to provide.”

In a program including Parliamentary Secretary Chris Alexander and the Surgeon-General Jean-Robert Bernier, speakers outlined the purpose of the day. “Having come through ten years of war in Afghanistan, the countries represented here today are each facing difficult challenges in addressing the mental health and wellbeing of the men and women who served, and the families that served by their sides,” stated Shaun Francis, Chair and Founder of the True Patriot Love Foundation. “Today we will have a candid dialogue about the nature and scope of military mental health challenges, and how government, charities, and the private sector can work together to help ensure a prosperous and purposeful life for those men and women who have sacrificed so much.”

Active panel sessions  included U.K. Surgeon Captain John Sharpley, Canadian Colonel and Lead Psychologist Rakesh Jetly , and U.S. Colonel Carl Castro, who challenged the organizations and leaders in attendance to act, “We can say the right things, but ultimately it is about what we do. As a manager of research, I know shortcuts don’t work. Our service members deserve the full treatment, with no shortcuts and efficacy based treatment.”

Going forward, True Patriot Love plans to further this international cooperation for the optimization of the lives of military members and their families by instituting a follow-up series and a rotating annual symposium.

ABOUT TRUE PATRIOT LOVE
True Patriot Love is a national foundation that supports and honours members of the Canadian military and their families. It was founded by a group of citizens dedicated to building bridges between Canadian civilians and their military, in order to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. In celebrating the patriotism of our military families, our foundation also strives to inspire Canadians to serve their country, whether it’s in or out of uniform.

Over the past three years, True Patriot Love was honoured to have raised $11 million to fund a variety of military programs, charities and causes, when and where it is needed most. Our three key areas of support are Family Health and Support, Physical Health and Rehabilitation and Mental Health and Well-Being.

MEDIA CONTACT
Hilary Coles
Manager, Communications and PR
hcoles@truepatriotlove.com
416-628-4972
647-227-5238

Today, True Patriot Love was thrilled to return to Atlantic Canada to make a special funding announcement and presentation with Premier David Alward, MLA Brian Macdonald, Legislative Secretary to the Premier, award-winning Canadian band the Trews, and the citizens of Fredericton as part of the unveiling of the New Brunswick Highway of Heroes.

The True Patriot Love Foundation announced over $350,000 in funding to support military families in Atlantic Canada from the proceeds of its second fundraising dinner in Eastern Canada, the Atlantic Maple Leaf Tribute Dinner. Disbursements include $50,000 to the Military Family Resource Centres (MFRC) across Atlantic Canada, including the Halifax and Greenwood, which play a critical role in providing military families with relevant programs and services that empower and encourage strong, independent individuals and families within the Canadian Forces.

Other funding disbursements include $250,000 to the Veterans Transition Program in Atlantic Canada to ensure the mental health and well-being of military members and veterans. This successful program helps former members of the Canadian military make the sometimes difficult transition back to civilian life, reducing traumatic symptoms and experiencing greater self-confidence.

Also announced was $800,000 to the Military Families Fund to support families with special needs children and to provide home and vehicle modifications to our ill and injured members and veterans. As national programs, they will not only affect the Atlantic region but most importantly will help families in need across Canada when and where it is needed most.

True Patriot Love also took this opportunity to recognize Judith Irving, the Atlantic Maple Leaf Tribute Dinner Fundraising Committee Chair, with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her dedication to helping our military families.

“We are honoured to be back in Atlantic Canada to not only announce the funding from the Atlantic Maple Leaf 2011 Tribute Dinner, but also to recognize Judith Irving, who has supported True Patriot Love and demonstrated her dedication to helping our military families in Atlantic Canada and across Canada,” said Bronwen Evans, a founding Director of True Patriot Love. “Our announcement today reflects this commitment to both our local community and to the military community as a whole, as each program plays a critical role in Atlantic Canada and across the country in supporting the mental, physical and family health of our military families.”

True Patriot Love was designated Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals to recognize and pay tribute to those whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their communities, their organizations and their country. The True Patriot Love Foundation will continue to recognize distinguished Canadians with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal throughout 2012.

ABOUT TRUE PATRIOT LOVE
True Patriot Love is a national foundation that supports and honours members of the Canadian military and their families. It was founded by a group of citizens dedicated to building bridges between Canadian civilians and their military, in order to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. In celebrating the patriotism of our military families, our foundation also strives to inspire Canadians to serve their country, whether it’s in or out of uniform.

Over the past three years, True Patriot Love was honoured to have raised $11 million to fund a variety of military programs, charities and causes, when and where it is needed most. Our three key areas of support are Family Health and Support, Physical Health and Rehabilitation and Mental Health and Well-Being.

MEDIA CONTACT
Hilary Coles
True Patriot Love Foundation
hcoles@truepatriotlove.com
416-628-4972
647-227-5238

TORONTO, ON – Thursday, July 12, 2012 Today, the True Patriot Love Foundation honoured deserving Canadians with the presentation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals at a surprise ceremony during a Treble Victor Group networking event. Of the citizens recognized today, most have served in the Canadian, South African or British Armed Forces.

Presenting the medals was True Patriot Love Foundation Co-Founder and Director, Erin O’Toole who himself is a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, a decorated veteran of the Canadian Forces, and a member of Treble Victor Group.

“Our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively pay homage to those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, their generosity, and their service to their community and to our country,” said Mr. O’Toole. “I am honoured to have this opportunity to thank these distinguished individuals who have shown leadership in and out of uniform and continue to give back to the military community by playing an integral role in True Patriot Love’s first veterans career conference, From Battlefield to Boardroom: A Symposium for Corporate Canada on the Value of Military Veterans, this fall in Toronto.”

We are proud to recognize today’s recipients for their contributions:

Jim Leech, President & CEO, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (Canadian Army)
David LeClaire, President, Oberon Capital Corporation (Royal Canadian Navy)
David Mack , Project Manager, RBC Capital Markets (British Army)
Mark Walden, Director, Business Development, BMO (Canadian Army)
Joel Watson, Partner, Heenan Blaikie (Canadian Army)
Philip Grosch, National Leader & Partner, Technology Consulting and Business Transformation, PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada (South African Navy)
Duncan Hobbs, President, Charton Hobbs

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to celebrate Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne 60 years ago. This commemorative medal is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to 60,000 Canadians whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their communities, their organizations and their country. It provides an opportunity to look back and recognize those who made Canada what it is today, and to look forward and recognize youth who are actively involved in our country’s future.

The True Patriot Love Foundation will continue to recognize distinguished Canadians with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal throughout 2012.

About TPL:

The True Patriot Love Foundation was formed by a group of dedicated business leaders to support and honour members of the Canadian military and their families, while also building bridges between Canadian civilians and the military to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.

Since its inception 3 years ago, TPL has raised almost $11 million for military family health and support, for the physical health and rehabilitation of our injured military personnel and veterans, and for ensuring the mental health and well-being of both our military members, veterans and their families. TPL’s fourth annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala, presented by Bell, is on November 1, 2012 in Toronto.

Please visit www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Alison Ouellet, Director of Corporate Affairs
True Patriot Love
416-848-0396
aouellet@truepatriotlove.com

True Patriot Love Raises $130,000 at 2nd Annual Invitational for Heroes to Send Children of Military Families to Camp

TORONTO, ON – Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Today, the True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) held their 2nd Annual Leslois Shaw Invitational for Heroes at Angus Glen Golf Club in Toronto in support of military families.

This sold out event was enjoyed by over 100 participants that ranged from corporate leaders to members of our Canadian Forces and raised over $130,000.

“We are honoured to have the LesLois Shaw Foundation rejoining us as title sponsor,” said Bronwen Evans, Director of the True Patriot Love Foundation. “And we are proud to announce that all proceeds generated from today’s event will be donated to Camp Maple Leaf to allow the children of fallen, ill, injured, currently deployed and recently deployed members of the Canadian Forces to enjoy a week at camp.”

Established in 1955 as a legacy from the Canadian Council of War Veterans, Camp Maple Leaf hosts 300 military children annually to enjoy a week of challenging and fun activities that promotes the development of self-confidence, self-esteem, problem solving skills, leadership and conflict resolution.

As part of this event, the True Patriot Love Foundation presented the event Co-Chairs Michel Pratt and Nicolas Mulroney with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

“Our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively pay homage to those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, their generosity, and their service to their community and to our country,” said Ms. Evans. “We are proud to recognize Michel Pratt and Nicolas Mulroney as this evening’s recipients for their contributions and their dedication to helping our military families.”

Angus Glenn will be hosting the 3rd Annual Leslois Shaw Invitation for Heroes again next year.

Dinner sponsor: BARRICK
Golf Cart Sponsor: THE GARY AND JOANNE REAMEY FAMILY
Beverage Cart Sponsor: LABATT
Gold Sponsor: GLAXOSMITHKLINE
Silver Sponsors: THE CARPENTERS’ UNION, KPMG, and SELF MANAGEMENT GROUP
Print Sponsor: THE PRINTING HOUSE
Golf Ball Sponsor: ARVAN REHAB GROUP.

About TPL:
The True Patriot Love Foundation was formed by a group of dedicated business leaders to support and honour members of the Canadian military and their families, while also building bridges between Canadian civilians and the military to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.

Since its inception 3 years ago, TPL has raised almost $11 million for military family health and support, for the physical health and rehabilitation of our injured military personnel, and to ensuring the mental health and well-being of both our military and their families. TPL’s fourth annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala, presented by Bell, is on November 1, 2012 in Toronto.

Please visit www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Alison Ouellet, Director of Corporate Affairs
True Patriot Love
416-848-0396
aouellet@truepatriotlove.com

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to celebrate Her Majesty’s accession to the Throne 60 years ago. This commemorative medal is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to 60,000 Canadians whose achievements have benefited their fellow citizens, their communities, their organizations and their country. It provides an opportunity to look back and recognize those who made Canada what it is today, and to look forward and recognize youth who are actively involved in our country’s future.

“Our commitment to Canada is strengthened when we collectively pay homage to those who distinguish themselves by virtue of their talents, their generosity, and their service to their community and to our country,” said Shaun Francis, Founder and Chairman of the True Patriot Love Foundation. “I am honoured to have this opportunity to thank those individuals who have supported True Patriot Love and demonstrated their dedication to helping our military families.”

The True Patriot Love Foundation will continue to recognize distinguished Canadians with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal throughout 2012.

We are proud to recognize today’s recipients for their contributions:

Charlie Angelakos
Mauro Baldassara
Conrad Bellehumeur
Christopher Brown
Michael Cooper
George Cope
Mary Deacon
Danny Deep
Ferg Devins
James Dodds
Sara Dunkley
Geoffrey Dyer
Paul House
Judith Irving
Steven Joyce
Cameron Kenyon
Marc Laliberte
Shawn Leslie
Mike Martin
Joe Natale
Earle O’Born
Jan Ottens
Tim Patriquin
Gary Reamey
Ed Rogers
Calin Rovinescu
Gregg Saretsky
Walter Schneider
Ben Smith
Warren Spitz
Jaime Watt
Richard Waugh

About TPL:
The True Patriot Love Foundation was formed by a group of dedicated business leaders to support and honour members of the Canadian military and their families, while also building bridges between Canadian civilians and the military to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.

Since its inception 3 years ago, TPL has raised almost $11 million for military family health and support, for the physical health and rehabilitation of our injured military personnel, and for ensuring the mental health and well-being of both our military members and their families. TPL’s fourth annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala, presented by Bell, is on November 1, 2012 in Toronto.

Please visit www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Alison Ouellet, Director of Corporate Affairs
True Patriot Love
416-848-0396
aouellet@truepatriotlove.com

This expedition is co-chaired by volunteer participants, Tim Hodgson and Rocco Rossi. They will be joined by True Patriot Love Chair, Shaun Francis and Vice Chair, Michael Burns, expedition leader and expert climber Ben Webster, speaker Scott Kress, and approximately 12 to 15 injured retired and reserve members of the Canadian Forces. Rounding out the trip will be supporting guides and Everest summiteers and Ben’s film crew, including their team of Sherpas.

This journey will also be filmed as a part of a major primetime CBC documentary, to be aired nationwide January 2013 in order to raise awareness about ill and injured Canadian Forces members.

With 2047 Canadian Forces members wounded over the ten year war in Afghanistan, the need for effective rehabilitation and care has never been greater. By supporting the True Patriot Love Expedition, you are aiding in providing access to care for these ill and injured soldiers and their families, and also helping to raise awareness for this cause.

For more information visit: http://expeditionhimalayas.ca/

The whole team successfully ascended up and down Blipvert Tower on the final day as part of a culminating group challenge that was led by the participating veterans. Veterans ranged from 23 to 37 years of age and most have had deployments to Afghanistan:

“I recently was given the opportunity to be part of the Outward Bound Veterans rock-climbing program. Working alongside fellow veterans in the gorgeous backdrop of BC’s Okanagan Valley was an energizing experience. Our team was immersed in the beautiful country we so proudly serve.

Sharing the experience with fellow Veterans was instrumental in quickly developing our trust and cohesion. The program was geared to challenge,develop, and better us both on and off the rock in a very condensed time. I got to watch my peers, some more anxious than others lead headfirst through tough pitches, nerve-racking cruxes, and utilize skills we learned only a day prior. I myself got to feel the great sensation of support as I tried to push through the crux of a difficult route for the fourth time. Or on my own twenty meters from my
climbing partner and the sweet, sweet ground, leading a route at my threshold grasping onto a nickel-sized hold while confidently placing my next piece of protection into the rock.

This challenging journey as I reflect back was more than a climbing trip with excellent instructors there to positively push us to our full potential. It was a chance to utilize nature, this beautiful country we serve, to take some time away from the hustle to reflect and develop ourselves beyond the mere physical.

I recommend to all members of our military to allow themselves the opportunity to experience an Outward Bound course. Our military community is small and widespread, I am thankful for the opportunity I had to connect with members within our resilient and compassionate community, and to be mindful of the responsibility we have to maintain it.

Thank you Outward Bound Canada and True Patriot Love Foundation for an experience of a lifetime.
Cheers,
Matthew Muttart
Royal Regiment of Canada
Op Athena, 1-10″