Operation Veteran reaches 11,000 meal milestone

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Ottawa, Ontario, November 11, 2016 — This Remembrance Day, the Canadian War Museum is expressing its gratitude to the many high school teachers and students who have raised funds for Operation Veteran. During a special event today, 180 young Canadians, along with teachers, veterans and dignitaries, gathered to celebrate a new milestone: an impressive 11,000 meal vouchers redeemed by veterans since the program’s launch in 2009.

“We are thankful to the many school communities across Canada who support Operation Veteran through their fundraising,” said Stephen Quick, Director General of the Canadian War Museum. “Everyone who participates benefits. Veterans receive respect, recognition and a token of appreciation, while young people learn about their country’s history and gain an appreciation for the dedication of the men and women who have served our country.”

“Operation Veteran is such a beneficial program because of how it encourages dialogue between generations, and how it inspires students to contribute in a positive way while raising their awareness of their elders’ sacrifices,” said Dr. Kavanagh. “I am immensely proud and gratified to see this program’s enduring success and influence on the lives of Canadians young and old.”

Operation Veteran has engaged thousands of students in every province and territory since Dr. Paul Kavanagh established the program in association with the Canadian War Museum 7 years ago. The students plan and organize fundraising activities such as bottle drives and car washes in their local communities, and the proceeds are used to offer complimentary meals to all Canadian veterans visiting the War Museum.

Each year, some of these students and their teachers travel to the National Capital for a full day of activities. Today, as in the past, they met Dr. Kavanagh for breakfast at the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel in the morning and attended the Remembrance Day ceremony at the nearby War Memorial. Later, students made their way to the War Museum to spend time with veterans, active members of the military and experts, listening to their stories, asking questions and reflecting on the meaning of Remembrance Day. They also had the opportunity to see the War Museum’s exhibitions.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national and international dimensions. Work of the Canadian War Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

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Media contacts:
Yasmine Mingay
Director, Public Affairs
Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8608
Email: yasmine.mingay@warmuseum.ca

Avra Gibbs Lamey
Senior Communications and Media Relations Officer, Canadian War Museum
Telephone: 819-776-8607
Email: avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca

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