Canada’s military honoured at True Patriot Love Foundation’s Tribute Gala

Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families were recognized November 10, 2021 at the 13th Annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala, presented by Bell. The event is the country’s largest celebration in support of Canada’s military and was held in both a virtual format, allowing Canadians across the country to tune in, a small in-person gathering at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in downtown Toronto, plus other small gatherings/watch parties across Canada. True Patriot Love is Canada’s leading national foundation dedicated to providing essential support and resources to those most in need within the military and Veteran community.

The event raised over $1 million, which will support local community programs across Canada that help address the challenges related to military service. This includes funding summer camps with a focus on the unique needs and requirements of military children, including focused sessions for children who have lost a parent through their service in the military.

The Tribute Gala included personal stories of the Foundation’s impact, a conversation about the impact and ongoing developments in Afghanistan, and a special performance from the National Arts Centre, accompanied by members from the Canadian Armed Forces. The event featured a silent auction with soldier helmets that were transformed into works of art by Canadian artists such as Izzy Camilleri and Al Hattie. Members of the military community also contributed pieces.

Central to this year’s event was the awarding of the Patriot Award to founder and chairman of The Printing House Charitable Office Janice O’Born. The Patriot Award is presented annually by True Patriot Love to an individual or an organization that has made an outstanding philanthropic contribution to the resilience and wellbeing of the military community.

O’Born previously served as the Gala’s Chair, helping to raise over $3.1 million during her leadership. Under her direction, the Gala previously supported the continuum of military service of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and showcased and recognized the strength and dedication of the women of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families. In addition to her ongoing support of our mandate, Janice was the first to step forward to provide a significant donation in support of the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014, as Canada sent our first team of warriors to those games.