True Patriot Love raises $1.6M and secures sponsorships at annual Toronto dinner

True Patriot Love (TPL) held its annual Toronto fundraising dinner on November 10th. This allowed the organization not only to add $1.6 million to its general funds, but also to secure and confirm partnerships with both Bell and Scotia Bank.

Bell has indeed confirmed its commitment towards TPL’s mental health programs by renewing its $1 million funding to fund military personnel, military family and veteran community-based programs over the next four years. In addition, Bell renewed its role as presenting partner of the Toronto dinner for the next five years.

“Helping military members, veterans, and their families cope with the unique challenges of military life by funding programs that provide access to mental health care supports, and services is a priority for Bell Let’s Talk. We look forward to continuing our support for those who serve our country and their families through the Bell True Patriot Love Fund,” said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let’s Talk, an initiative that promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns.

Scotia Bank was also confirmed as presenting sponsor of the three Canadian expeditions organized by TPL in 2017. The organization is hoping to connect up to 60 business leaders with up to 90 transitioning Canadian Forces members through mentorship and networking during said expeditions.

“We are feeling very optimistic with the growth of our organization,” said TPL’s CEO Bronwen Evans. “The Invictus Games, which TPL helped secure for Canada and will be held next September in Toronto, will be a great window to profile our military and veterans’ families’ needs.”

“There are still needs to be met, and we need to connect the dots with people. The general public needs to be reminded that, even though there may not be an official broader scale deployment like Afghanistan currently underway, many soldiers are currently deployed abroad in various conditions and will need support upon returning home,” she explained.

“We need to help Canadians understand the daily challenges and struggles of our military members and veterans’ families and help these families face them. It’s about getting the message out there, and fundraising dinners like the one in Toronto are a step in the right direction for us,” concluded Evans.

Check out Canadian Military Family Magazine’s Holiday Issue to learn more about True Patriot Love and the programs they have funded to help military personnel, their families, and veterans.