'There is a real need': Canadian organization supports military members, their families and veterans
At the height of the Afghanistan War, Blake Goldring founded Canada Company with a goal of increasing awareness and knowledge of the impact and value of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
The organization acts as a bridge between military communities and the Canadian public, serving military members, their families, and veterans through many programs and education initiatives.
“A lot of people were asking, ‘What can we do to assist and help?’ And very quickly I thought, well I’ve got a group of really prominent and different people from across Canada to get together, to really figure out how we can assist our military members and their families,” said Goldring.
“We quickly came up with a scholarship fund for the children of our fallen, we got funded camps for the children of our deployed members. We also had War Exclusion Clause that mortgages if someone was killed overseas, their house insurance wouldn’t kick in. Well, we managed to go and get that changed as well.”
Over the past 17 years, Canada Company has awarded 287 scholarships. In all, the organization says $1.1 million has been given to students.
Canada Company has also donated over $50,000 to help children of fallen soldiers access special support services and contributes to programs such as Project Hero.
Canada Company is now opening a chapter in Halifax. Goldring says it is an appropriate location due to the strong military presence in the city, as well as the community support.
“We’ve got branches now right across the country, Vancouver and Halifax now, as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto,” he said. “And we’re going to go right across the country because there is a real need to show that those who support us, they deserve our support as well.”
Canada Company does three major things:
- awareness: helping the Canadian public understand the contribution of CAF members
- education: providing educational resources, opportunities and financial assistance
- wellbeing: providing CAF members and their families with support programs that help them live productive, happy, healthy lives
Canada Company’s motto is “many ways to serve” – a term that explains the organization’s main purpose.
“Each of us can bring ways to help either through money or support… but the expertise that we can offer and at the same time, we learn from the leadership and example that we get from our military,” said Goldring. “So, it’s a bridge.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Overwhelmed families surrendering custody of their children to CAS
Last week, Nickel Belt MPP France Gelinas told the Ontario Legislature about a mother in her riding who gave up guardianship of her eight-year-old, high-needs daughter to the Children’s Aid Society (CAS).
Trump's defence choice stuns the Pentagon and raises questions about the Fox News host's experience
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defense world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defense secretary, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.
W5 investigation How did thieves steal your car? Maybe with a device they ordered online
Digital devices that a Toronto-area police department warns are used in the most common method of stealing cars are for sale online for anyone to buy, a W5 investigation has found.
Trump's appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada
Donald Trump's second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters and many of the people landing top jobs have been critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at Canada's border.
Japanese owner of 7-Eleven receives another offer to rival Couche-Tard bid
The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven says it has received a new management buyout proposal from a member of the family that helped found the company.
Loblaw Companies reports Q3 profit up from year ago, revenue also higher
Loblaw Companies Ltd. reported its third-quarter profit rose compared with a year ago, boosted by the reversal of a charge at its President's Choice Bank after a Federal Court of Appeal decision.
Nearly 80 per cent of Canadians use winter tires: survey
Almost four out of five Canadian drivers switch to winter tires when the weather calls for them, according to a new survey.
South Korean actor Song Jae-lim found dead at 39
Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas 'Moon Embracing the Sun' and 'Queen Woo,' was found dead at his home in capital Seoul. He was 39.
John Krasinski named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive
John Krasinski is People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024.