We are so grateful to all the people who volunteer for True Patriot Love, generously sharing their time, skills and enthusiasm!

As part of a new feature celebrating those fab folks, True Patriot Love asked volunteer and Veteran René Lafrance five questions about why he volunteers, and what resonates with him the most.  Keep reading to see his insightful replies.

And if you would like to join our amazing group of volunteers, send an email to events@truepatriotlove.com to get started.

What is your involvement with True Patriot Love Foundation and why did you decide to get involved?

I joined the True Patriot Love’s Finance and Risk Committee as a non-board member in early 2021. The purpose of this committee is to monitor and oversee the use of funds and to develop, propose and monitor policies necessary to ensure sound financial and risk management of the Foundation. I enjoy giving back to True Patriot Love by sharing my executive-level knowledge and experience in business and finance. In 2023, I participated in the first edition of the True Patriot Love Tribute Dinner in Ottawa as part of the organizing committee. In addition to my committee role, I have also attended various True Patriot Love functions in Ottawa, such as Team Canada Invictus send-off, annual Tribute Dinners, and the Captain Nichola Goddard Women in Leadership Roundtables, to name a few.

Do you or your family have a military connection?

I am a proud Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and served from 1984 to 1991. I graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario and completed my training as a signal officer. Although my military career was relatively short compared to many of my former colleagues, the years I spent in the military were very formative and instrumental in shaping my career as a leader in the civilian sectors. My involvement with True Patriot Love is a natural way to contribute to a cause for which I am familiar and invested.

What about True Patriot Love’s work or mission is meaningful for you or resonates with you?

True Patriot Love’s mission and contributions cover a wide range of needs for military members, Veterans and their families, including physical health, mental health, rehabilitation, and also transitioning to civilian life, to name a few.

My transition from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to civilian life was generally smooth, but I realized over the years that was not the case for everyone. I discovered that military members often experience challenges when transitioning out of the military. For example, in some cases, Veterans need to upgrade their skills or acquire new credentials to be more marketable in the civilian work life. Also, I have unfortunately witnessed and heard accounts of stereotypes and stigma, some subtle and some not so, regarding the “lack of fit” for civilian careers.

Military members acquire valuable life-long skills and competencies that are transferable outside of the CAF and even outside of the defence industry; however, they are sometimes not acknowledged by employers and are not short-listed for interviews or employment. This led me to create a community of interest for the CAF Veterans who were employed in my former organization, to raise awareness of the many skills and competencies that Veterans bring to the organization.

The fact that True Patriot Love funds programs that help and assist military members transition to the civilian life is what resonates most with me.

Apart from True Patriot Love, where else do you volunteer?

I am currently involved in various charitable organizations that support military, Veterans, and mental health, as well as education. I am an active member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the Royal Military College Alumni Association. As well, I support fund raising for The Royal Ottawa’s annual Leaders Breakfast for Mental Health and I am a mentor for the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

If you were talking to someone about getting involved with True Patriot Love, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that True Patriot Love is a rewarding organization in which to volunteer and make a positive impact on the lives of military members, Veterans and their families. I have been involved with True Patriot Love for over three years now and, in addition to volunteering, I have not only gained insight on, but have witnessed the positive impacts of True Patriot Love.