Providing Support to the Families of Fallen Canadian Armed Forces Members

OTTAWA, Oct. 31 2014 /CNW/ - The significant kindness and generosity of Canadians and their support for our troops has been touching and overwhelming over the past week, and over the course of the past years.

In the wake of the deaths of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo, Canadians are again seeking for ways to demonstrate their support.

The Canadian Armed Forces, through the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (www.cfmws.com), possess resources to help its members and their families in difficult times. Every day CFMWS helps Canadian Armed Forces members and their families handle the many unique aspects of the military lifestyle. Our services are tailored to help families with the distinctive challenges they may face.

The tragic events that unfolded in the week of October 20th have affected all Canadians and none have been more affected than the families of WO Vincent and Cpl Cirillo. These events have thrust much public visibility on what would normally be a private time for grieving.

Canadians wishing to offer financial support to the families of WO Vincent and Cpl Cirillo can do so by donating to the Military Families Fund.

The Military Families Fund, established in 2007, provides financial support to meet the unique and individual needs of currently serving members, veterans, fallen soldiers and their respective families.

CFMWS will work closely with the families of the fallen to provide the unique support that they will require. WO Vincent's family has asked that donations be made to the Military Families Fund. Additionally, CFMWS has existing partnerships with various educational institutions and scholarship programs that will provide for the future educational needs of Cpl Cirillo's son, should he and his family wish to use them.

Donors may designate that their gifts be used for selected purposes including addressing the immediate and long term needs of the families of WO Vincent and Cpl Cirillo. Donors are encouraged to state their intent when making their donations. CFMWS will ensure that funds are solely used for the purposes defined by the donors.

Donations may be made by phone, on-line, at all BMO branches or by mail.

By phone: [phone]
Online: www.SupportOurTroops.ca/donate or at www.cfmws.com and clicking Support Our Troops
BMO Bank of Montreal: Account # 8929-898, Transit 0389
By mail: Donations c/o: CFMWS, 4210 Labelle Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K2

Thanks to generous donations from individuals and businesses, by providing assistance in times of need Support Our Troops Funds help Canadian Armed Forces personnel and their families cope with unforeseen challenges that arise due to military service. The Military Families Fund provides emergency support for the families of former and currently serving Canadian Armed Forces members.

About the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS)

The Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is responsible for administering Non-Public Property (NPP) and delivering selected public morale and welfare programs to military members. With over 5,500 staff on bases, wings, units, CFMWS delivers morale and welfare programs, services, and activities to Canadian Armed Forces Regular and Reserve Force members, retired and former members, and military families.   www.cfmws.com

About the Military Families Fund

The Military Families Fund provides emergency financial assistance to  military families faced with unforeseen and often immediate needs that have resulted due to conditions of military service that disrupt normal family life.

SOURCE: Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS)

Donations: 1-877-445-6444; For further information: Todd Kealey, 613-992-1879