TORONTO, - Blake Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and CEO, AGF Management Limited, along with the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance and Chief of Military Personnel, Rear-Admiral Andrew Smith, OMM, CD, today presented scholarships to seven children of fallen Canadian Forces personnel.
The Canada Company Scholarship programme was created in 2007 to provide supplementary funding for post secondary education to children of parents who have died while on active mission. Thanks to the generous support of many prominent individuals and corporations from across Canada, the Fund has grown to $2.1 million. Each recipient is eligible to receive $4,000 per year for up to four years. Including those presented today, Canada Company has awarded 28 individual scholarships.
"Our Canadian Forces give so much of themselves in defence of Canada," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, who was unable to attend the awards ceremony. "I am honoured to help pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice by supporting their loved ones as they pursue their dreams."
The fourth annual awards ceremony was conducted aboard the HMCS Montréal. The Halifax-based frigate is currently on a five-week Canadian tour, including seven port visits along the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes.
"Canada Company is proud to support the children of our Military. Their parents made a commitment to serve our country and today our commitment is to help them pursue their education," said Blake Goldring. "Canada Company ensures that the men and women of our Canadian Forces and their families receive the greatest care and support they deserve."
"It is an honour to be a part of this ceremony and to see the support given to the families of our fallen soldiers. This scholarship will help set these students on their career path while recognizing the memory of their loved ones. We are extremely proud to welcome everyone aboard Montréal and wish these students all the best as they continue their studies," said Commander Royal Canadian Navy, Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison in a statement.
The 2011/12 recipients of Canada Company's educational scholarship fund awards are:
Kirsten Hess-von Kruedener of Burlington, Ontario is studying at the RCC Institute of Technology Interior Design.
Sheralynn Kennedy of Winnipeg, Manitoba is attending the University of Winnipeg working towards a doctorate in Psychology.
Matthew Mellish of French Lake, New Brunswick is attending the University of New Brunswick, majoring in History and/or Philosophy.
Myriam Mercier of Quebec City, Quebec is studying Nursing at Cegep de Sainte-Foy.
Milann Mitchell of Regina, Saskatchewan is studying Nutrition at the University of Saskatchewan.
Adam Naismith of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is studying Arts and Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.
Jocelyn Ranger of Pembroke, Ontario is studying Business at Algonquin University.
Natasha Roberge of Hamner, Ontario is enrolled in an Honours Bachelor of Arts programme with a major in English at University of Ottawa.
Caitlyn Ternapolski of Pembroke, Ontario is studying Physical Education at Nippissing University.
Ryan Ternapolski of Pembroke, Ontario is attending Laurentian University working towards a nursing degree.
From her home in Pembroke, Ontario, Caitlyn Ternapolski, daughter of the late MCpl John Ternapolski Jr. and Mrs. Colleen Ternapolski said: "I really appreciate that there are people in this world who care so much for the children of fallen soldiers. Thank you."
"I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Canada Company for its scholarship fund. They have enabled the education of very special Canadians: the children of our fallen comrades," said General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff in a prepared statement. "Under the leadership of Blake Goldring, Canada Company has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion. He has shown us all that service to our nation comes in many forms. On behalf of the men and women of the Canadian Forces and their families I extend our collective thanks to Canada Company for their substantial effort to assist these deserving scholarship recipients. They are the future leaders of Canada."
About Canada Company and the Scholarship Fund
Canada Company is a federally registered charity created in 2006 which brings community leaders from across Canada together to support Canadian soldiers in the work that they do at home and abroad.
The Canada Company Scholarship Fund provides $4,000 per year, for up to four years, to support the post-secondary education for children who qualify. Children of Canadian Forces members, Regular Force and Reserve who have died on duty while serving in an active role in a military mission are eligible to apply.
Endorsed by Gerry McCaughey, President and CEO, CIBC, the bank provided Canada Company scholarships with leadership funding in the amount of $1 million. Additional financial support was secured from Power Corporation; Peter Munk, Founder and Chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation; Jim Balsillie, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Research In Motion (RIM); RBH Inc.; The W. Garfield Weston Foundation; The TD Bank Financial Group, BMO Financial Group; Scotiabank; Standard Life; Laurentian Bank of Canada / B2B Trust and AGF Management Limited. Canada Company is calling on other members of the corporate community to contribute to this important initiative.
Canada Company oversees the fund through an independent committee, along with members of the Canadian Forces, to ensure that bereaved children have the opportunity to receive this scholarship.
Canada Company's motto is Many Ways To Serve.
