Canada Company Honours The Fallen With Scholarships to Children of Canadian Forces Members

Scholarship program supports families left behind by heroes who perished in the line of duty

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Hundreds of Bay Street workers looked on as representatives from Canada's business, political and military communities came together today in the heart of Toronto's financial district to witness the presentation of scholarships to children of military personnel who perished while serving our country.

The annual scholarships are provided as a tribute to fallen Canadian Forces personnel by Canada Company, a charitable business group that brings community leaders from across the country together to support Canadian soldiers in the work that they do at home and abroad. Each recipient is eligible to receive up to $4,000 per year for up to four years to help defray the costs of their post-secondary education. Since the fund was established in 2007, Canada Company has provided nearly $250,000 in scholarships to children of fallen Canadian Forces personnel. 

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army; Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; and Blake C. Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AGF Management Limited were among those who participated in the scholarship presentation ceremony.

"Canada Company is committed to supporting the men and women who serve in the Canadian Forces and doing what we can to enhance the quality of life for all its members," said Blake C. Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AGF Management Limited. "As Canadians it is our duty to ensure that we honour the memory of those who have shaped our future with their courageous efforts and deeds. We can think of no better way to recognize the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform than to ensure their children have every opportunity to succeed."

"Each year Canada Company's scholarships recognize the immense value of education for Canada's youth while also paying tribute to the ultimate sacrifices made by Canadian Armed Forces members and their families," said Minister Nicholson. "It is an honour to acknowledge Canada Company's contributions to the education of children of fallen service men and women."

"On behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces, I would like to thank Canada Company for the tremendous support they are providing to our military families through this scholarship fund," said General Tom Lawson, the Chief of the Defence Staff. "It is through initiatives such as this that Canada Company continues to demonstrate their community leadership, their compassion, and their ability to make a difference for the families of those who serve."

Sheralynn Kennedy, daughter of the late Master Corporal Tim Wilson and Mrs. Daphne Wilson, expressed gratitude on behalf of this year's scholarship recipients.

"Receiving the Canada Company Scholarship is not just about the money, although that has been a great help. It is about the friendships I have made these last four years and the support we have all received. It reminds us that people care and the sacrifices that our families have made have not been forgotten," said Kennedy.

The 2013 recipients of the Canada Company scholarships are:

Sheralynn Kennedy of Winnipeg, Manitoba is studying at the University of Winnipeg, working towards a doctorate in Psychology with a focus on child development.

Kevon Mellish of Fredericton, New Brunswick is studying at the University of New Brunswick.

Matthew Mellish of Fredericton, New Brunswick is studying at the University of New Brunswick.

Milann Mitchell of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is majoring in Psychology at the University of Saskatchewan.

Arina Naismith of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is studying at the University of Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.

Francis David Paul of Ottawa, Ontario is enrolled in the Motion Picture Arts Program at Capilano University.

Marisa Paul of Ottawa, Ontario is studying Social Science at the University of Western Ontario.

Laura Squires of Edmonton, Alberta is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program at Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton

Caitlyn Ternapolski of Pembroke, Ontario is enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician program at St. Lawrence College.

Ryan Ternapolski of Pembroke, Ontario is enrolled in the Nursing Program at Laurentian University.

Jasmine Vialette of Winnipeg, Manitoba is enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Program at Dalhousie University.

About The Canada Company Scholarship Fund
The Canada Company Scholarship Fund provides $4,000 per year, for up to four years, to support the post-secondary education for children who qualify.  Children of Canadian Forces members who have died on duty while serving in an active role in a military mission of the Canadian Forces or reserves since January 2002 are eligible to apply. The Canada Company Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship grants to children dating back to January 1, 2002.

Canada Company scholarships have received leadership funding in the amount of $1 million from CIBC. Additional financial support was secured from Paul Desmarais, Jr., Power Corporation; Peter Munk, Founder and Chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation; Jim Balsillie; RBH Inc.; The W. Garfield Weston Foundation; The TD Bank Financial Group, BMO Financial Group; Scotiabank; Standard Life; Laurentian Bank of Canada / B2B Bank (formerly B2B Trust) and AGF Management Limited. Canada Company is calling on other members of the corporate community to contribute to this important initiative.

Canada Company oversees the fund through an independent committee, along with members of the Canadian Forces, to ensure that bereaved children have the opportunity to receive this scholarship.

About Canada Company
Canada Company is a federally registered charity created in 2006 which brings community leaders from across Canada together to support members of our Military in the work that they do at home and abroad. The organization is apolitical and is an advocate for Canadians who serve, or wish to serve, in the Canadian Forces - regular and reserve - and their families, ensuring that they receive the widest possible support, recognition and care. Canada Company's motto is Many Ways To Serve. Visit www.canadacompany.ca

SOURCE: Canada Company

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