During the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, True Patriot Love held a 50/50 Raffle to raise funds for adaptive sport in BC. Paula, a retired reservist, was the lucky winner. We interviewed Paula and it turns out that she has a great story that we feel lucky to share!
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Tell us a bit about your family’s connection to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Paula: Three generations of my family have been part of the CAF.

Both my father and my spouse’s grandfather served with Canada in WWII. My father flew with the Royal Canadian Air Force and my spouse’s grandfather was in the infantry, fighting up through Italy in 1943 and 1944, before being moved up to Holland in 1945.

I joined the reserves in 2004 and spent 18 years in the CAF until “mandatory” retirement in 2022. During my time at the CAF, I was surrounded by an amazing number of smart and dedicated people working to make a positive difference in Canada and the world. It was a real honour to have been a part of it.

We have two boys, both of whom envision a future in the CAF. Our eldest son enrolled in 2013 and is now a Captain in an armoured unit while he finishes graduate work in military history. Our younger son is just finishing law school, and hopes to make his contribution to Canada as a Reg Force member of the CAF’s JAG branch.

Even my spouse is now a proud part of the team: he is helping to educate the public about the history of the CAF as a volunteer at our local Military Museum.

You’re a True Patriot Love supporter — thank you! How did you find out about True Patriot Love and what prompted you to become a donor?

Paula: I first heard about TPL during an interview with Shaun Francis, the founder of True Patriot Love. The incredible programs True Patriot Love had to support injured Veterans and their promotion of women in the CAF, through the Women in Leadership Series, has made me an enthusiastic supporter of True Patriot Love.

Did you watch or attend the 2025 Invictus Games? What memory or experience stands out for you?

Paula: I did not go to the Games in Vancouver but I watched the entire opening ceremonies and was able to catch a few of the highlights from the Games themselves. Seeing all of those courageous competitors coming into the stadium to cheering crowds was incredibly moving and inspiring. With luck, I can make it to Birmingham for the Invictus Games in 2027!

From your perspective, what supports do military families need? What would you like to see more of?

Paula: Military families need the support (and more of the kind of support) that True Patriot Love provides. That is why I bought a 50/50 ticket and will continue to donate to True Patriot Love.

Thanks to True Patriot Love for all that you do to support Canadian military members and, with your involvement in the Invictus Games, injured service members around the world.