Ambar SyedCanadian Pacific (CP) has a very long history with the military. As a way of giving back, the organization banded together to raise awareness and money for new Homes For Heroes development. The initiative addresses the issue of veterans experiencing homelessness in Canada.
CP Senior Vice-President, Operations System and Canadian veteran, Scott MacDonald noted, “CP has a long history of supporting the military, and we are proud to have our employees rally behind this important cause.”
Scott added, “It’s an honour and a privilege to support our Canadian veterans in their time of need as they so selflessly stood on guard for this great country. This event is a means to increase support to help combat veteran homelessness in Calgary.”
CP and the Homes for Heroes Foundation held their third annual Spin For A Veteran event earlier this year. More than $505,000 was raised for the foundation, which uses the donated funds to build homes for homeless veterans.
Over the years, this annual event has raised close to $800,000 to support homeless veterans that are reintegrating back to civilian life.
With each $100,000 raised, the organization is able to build one home, which has resulted in a total of eight homes being built.
The Spin For A Veteran event had participants spinning for 24 hours in order to raise awareness and funds for the Homes For Heroes Foundation.
Rory Thompson, who works as the manager of diversity and military relations for CP, helps veterans find employment after they have served in the CAF.
“After they’ve left the military, they’ve left their camaraderie of their colleagues, they’ve left the military support network, and ultimately, it goes downhill from there for some people,” Thompson explained.
“I’m ex-military myself and had a very successful, easy transition from the military into life… So I wanted to give back.”
He added, “Ultimately, I went to sit on a spin bike for 24 hours and raised some money and awareness for homeless veterans.”
“I commend CP and their employees for their ongoing efforts to support Canada’s Veterans through the Spin for a Veteran initiative,” said Harjit Sajjan, minister of national defence. “Events like this one allow Canadians to demonstrate gratitude for the service of our women and men in uniform. I wish the organizers and participants every success in achieving their fundraising goals this year.”
Donations are welcome year-round by visiting online at Spin4Vets.com.
