FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2007
RMC alumni to host event to Celebrate Canada’s Global Military Contribution and benefit Wounded Warriors Fund
November 21, 2007, TORONTO -- The Toronto Branch of the Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada is holding a fundraising dinner Friday, November 23, 2007 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in celebration of Canada's global military contribution.
The Royal Military College (RMC) is a national academic institution whose sole purpose is to train Canada's future officers for leadership roles. Many former officers can be found within business, government and academic communities in the GTA and they understand what it means as a soldier to have the support of their country. "Our role is to help keep the morale high by showing our military appreciation and support for putting their lives in the line of fire," says Gord Clarke, President RMC Club of Canada - Toronto Branch.
The Birchall Leadership Award, an award named for Air Commodore Leonard Birchall, a Canadian hero of World War II, will be presented to Major Danny McLeod, a man who has provided inspired leadership in war and peace as an officer and as a great sportsman and coach.
General Rick Hillier, Chief of Defence Staff, will provide the keynote address to over 500 guests. Serving members of GTA Reserve Forces will be in attendance, as will Officer Cadets from RMC. Entertainment will be provided by military bands from the Reserve Forces and RMC.
The fundraising dinner proceeds and corporate donations will benefit the Wounded Warriors Fund and establish a bursary which allows members of the Reserve Forces to attend RMC. For dinner tickets, donations or more information go to www.toronto.rmcclub.ca/leadershipdinner.htm
"As this event is about the GTA community showing their support for our military, the RMC alumni encourages civilian and corporate involvement both by sponsorship and attendance at this inaugural event," says Clarke.
"When soldiers have been injured and are rushed to a military hospital with just the clothes on their backs, it is then that they are most vulnerable. It's the time when they need encouragement and Canada's support the most," says Captain Wayne Johnson. "We are raising funds on their behalf to provide items like a 'Wounded Warriors Pack' containing items that will help to build the soldiers' morale while on the road to recovery."
The Wounded Warriors Fund was established to aid those brave men and women whose lives are forever changed by injuries sustained while on duty in places like Afghanistan. It contributes quality of life items to soldiers during their time of greatest need.
"With dinner tickets limited to 500, it's encouraging to have corporate sponsors making donations as a show of their military support," says Gord Clarke. "And with members of the community attending such as The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable Joseph A. Day, Senator and Don Cherry, TV host of Hockey Night in Canada, one of the events honourary patrons, and honorary life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the support is overwhelming."
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For further information contact:
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
Public Relations Specialists
ON BEHALF OF RMC TORONTO BRANCH
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
Peter Turkington
Strategic Communications Solutions
Public Relations Specialists
ON BEHALF OF RMC TORONTO BRANCH
Direct Phone: 905.901.9218
Email: pturkington@stratcommsolutions.ca
