TORONTO, June 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Today in Toronto, Canada Company awarded post secondary education scholarships to eleven children of parents who gave their lives in service of our country. Blake Goldring, Founder and Chair of Canada Company and Chairman and CEO, AGF Management Limited was joined by Major-General J.C.G. Juneau, Deputy Commander of the Canadian Army and other leaders in business, the military and government to pay tribute to the families of servicemen and women who perished in the line of duty.
"Our motto is 'many ways to serve," said Blake C. Goldring, "and, together with our members, we are committed to providing continued support to the children of those who have served our Country and paid the ultimate price. The sacrifice made by their parents will not be forgotten."
Created in 2007, the Canada Company Scholarship Fund has awarded nearly $300,000 in financial support. The Scholarship program is complimented by Project Hero, a Canada Company-directed initiative that has seen 70 post secondary institutions across the country offer reduced or waived tuition fees to children of fallen soldiers.
"The support that our sailors, soldiers and airmen and airwomen-and their families-receive from Canadians is humbling and never so obvious as at events like the Canada Company Scholarship Awards," said Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army. "Today's scholarship recipients are a part of the extended Canadian Armed Forces family and we are honoured to have the members of Canada Company stand with us in supporting them as they pursue their studies."
Jasmine Vialette, one of this year's scholarship recipients, spoke eloquently on behalf of the recipients about the challenges faced by military families and described how programs like the Canada Company Scholarship Fund and Project Hero make a difference in their lives.
The 2015 recipients of the Canada Company scholarships are:
Kristopher Beerenfenger, Fredericton, NB, son of Corporal Robbie Beerenfenger, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 1st Battalion Group [D: Afghanistan, October 2, 2003]
Gale Gillam, Fredericton, NB, Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam, Royal Canadian Dragoons [D: Afghanistan, October 3, 2006]
Brettanea and Chelsey Hendrickson, Fredericton, NB, daughters of Warrant Officer Robert Wilson, Royal Canadian Regiment [D: Afghanistan, December 5, 2008]
Maude Mercier, Quebec City, daughter of Master Warrant Officer Mario Mercier, 3e Bataillon, Royal 22e Régiment [D: Afghanistan, August 22, 2007]
Kiera Mitchell, Edmonton, AB, daughter of Capt Bryan Mitchell, Royal Canadian Airforce, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron [D: Moose Jaw, October 9, 2008]
Arina and Halsey Naismith, Moose Jaw, SK, daughters of Capt Kevin Naismith, Royal Canadian Airforce, 416 Tactical Fighter Squadron [D: Cold Lake, Alberta, May 26, 2003]
Laura Squires, Edmonton, AB, daughter of Sgt. Hedley Jerry Squires, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry [D: Thasos Island, Greece, August 25, 1999]
Brittany Stewart, Petawawa, ON, daughter of MCpl. Allan Stewart, Royal Canadian Dragoons [D: Afghanistan, April 11, 2007]
Jasmine Vialette, Winnipeg, MB, daughter of Cpl Robert Vialette, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery [D: Croatia, July 21, 1997]
About The Canada Company Scholarship Fund
The Canada Company Scholarship Fund provides $4,000 per year, for up to four years, to support post-secondary education for children who qualify. Children of Canadian Forces members who have been killed while serving in an active role in a military mission of the Canadian Forces or reserves are eligible to apply. The Canada Company Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship grants to children dating back to January 1, 2002.
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 military-focused nonprofit that brings business and community leaders together to support the Canadian military, its veterans and their families. With a unique line of sight on the effectiveness of military strategy, leadership and discipline, Canada Company connects corporate Canada with military tested resources, while working to ensure that our Armed Forces receive the support, recognition and care that they deserve. Visit www.canadacompany.ca
SOURCE Canada Company
Gabrielle Gallant
D: 416.537.4444 x 1008
M: 416.895.5716
[email protected]
Share this article