Hero Fund Blog

Start your engines!

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:51:00 -0500

Executive Director Michael Ball had the opportunity to meet (retired) Major-General Lewis MacKenzie at his farm outside of Ottawa. The former commander of Canadian and International Forces is helping promote a new initiative in support of the troops, and our friends at Original SWAT Canada - the exclusive distributor of the tactical “boot of choice” for Canadian Law Enforcement, EMS, Security and Military personnel - were gracious enough to arrange the visit.

I pulled up to Kimmdora farm - home of Kimmdora racing and driver, (retired) Major-General Lewis MacKenzie - on a rare rainy day in January. Major-General MacKenzie lives up to the parentheses around the word ‘retired’: At 71, he is still an active race car driver, an active leader in the private sector, and lends his experience and energy to numerous charities and organizations. I was invited by friends Scott and Amaranth from Original SWAT Canada. (@OSWATCanada are the main distributor of the boots our soldiers wear in Afghanistan and other challenging environments.) They’ve got something BIG in the works for our troops, and Hero Fund is very proud to be a part of it. On the day in question, Major-General MacKenzie had agreed to a photo shoot to promote the new campaign.

We met the General in a large barn out back, where he houses the race cars (he won his last Formula Ford race just four years ago at the age of 67). “Please, call me Lew,” he replied to my more formal introduction. It was fascinating to hear stories about his 35 years of service in the military, although he preferred talking about racing. I asked the General what he gets more of a rush from: racing, or leading soldiers in an active war zone? “I get asked that a lot,” he begins. “The only thing the two have in common is preparation.” Intense and thorough preparation of every hairpin turn, every manoeuvre, so much so that he says the main event is actually “anticlimactic”.

From someone who has dedicated his life to the Forces, it was really special to hear words of support from Major-General MacKenzie for what the Hero Fund is doing. “It’s a great movement.” (He also likes the website.) One of the General’s concerns is that now that the combat mission in Afghanistan is over, public support for the Forces will wane. His concern is shared by all at Hero Fund and Original SWAT Canada. It’s important that support for soldiers and their families is not a seasonal thing, but a constant element of our national culture. That’s really what this new campaign is about. (And I bet your wondering what it is…)

Well we’re not ready to share the full details of the campaign just yet, but it’s coming soon and we are very excited at Hero Fund. In the meantime, our new friend Julie at Julie Heather Photography took some great pictures with the General and his cars (below). Start your engines and stay tuned!

- Michael Ball

Photos of our visit to the home of (Rt’d) Major-General...

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:33:08 -0500

Photos of our visit to the home of (Rt’d) Major-General Lewis MacKenzie with our friends from Original SWAT Canada!

Canadian Hero Fund Executive Director Michael Ball checks in en...

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:03:14 -0500

[Flash 10 is required to watch video.]

Canadian Hero Fund Executive Director Michael Ball checks in en route to Ottawa to visit retired Major Lewis Mackenzie’s farm to kick off an exciting new project. Take a look!

Interview with Hero Fund Executive Director Michael Ball

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:42:00 -0500

Hero Fund’s Executive Director Michael Ball recently took some time to answer a few questions about how it all got started and where things might be headed in future for our charity.

1) Where did the ‘idea’ for Hero Fund first originate?

One of the main things was the impact of seeing very young soldiers going to Afghanistan and leaving families behind and sometimes not making it back. It affected us here at home, and we felt the urge to go out and do something to support them.

2) What moment or event stands out most distinctly to you from the last couple years of Hero Fund?

Interacting with the families of the fallen has been the most humbling experience for all of us at Hero Fund. Those interactions have really reinforced our reasons for doing this. A couple that really stand out are two fundraisers for Hero Fund that were held by family and close friends of fallen soldiers. In Peterborough in early 2010 there was an amateur kickboxing event called Fight 4 Troops – a 14 year old nephew of a fallen soldier put it on, it was his idea from scratch. In Vancouver a cross fit competition [competitive workouts] at the gym of a former cross fit trainer who had been killed in Afghanistan was held to support us. His friends arranged it in his honour, his parents were there. Those really stood out.

3) What is your medium- and long-term vision for Hero Fund?

In the medium term we would like to continue to grow the organization to become a sustainable vessel for grassroots engagement, fundraising and awareness. That means branching out through more student chapters, more events across the country and more third-party events, more people finding Hero Fund and raising money in their own ways. We want Hero Fund to be self-sustaining and raise scholarship funds. The long-term vision is to be a true civilian grassroots outlet of support for military families, and especially to be there down the road with our scholarship program when kids of the fallen are of age to go to university.

4) How can folks reading this at home take steps immediately to support Hero Fund?

A great step is doing your own fundraiser because it is engaging, and families of the forces have told us that that the show of support means a lot to them. A lot of people are intimidated by the idea of doing their own event, but we have had fundraisers that have raised anything from $50 to $500. Folks considering putting an event on should just remember that for most military families, the gesture of support is a lot more important than putting on a huge event or raising a large sum of money.

Social Media Grassroots Drives 11 for 11

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:25:50 -0500

Over the course of 11 for 11, we were really lucky to have the support of so many folks on social media who helped spread our message. We were tweeted and re-tweeted by celebrities, athletes and grassroots supporters alike. We asked one of our most dedicated twitter supporters, Miranda Bourgeois, to explain, in 140 characters or less, why she chose 11 for 11 to throw her energy behind. Here’s her three shots at it:

@herofund I chose you because being a daughter of a now retired soldier I fully understand the sacrifice military families make on a daily

@herofund daily basis. I cannot imagine life without my dad, this is just a small way I can say thank you for their sacrifice and

@herofund to let their families know that they are never alone; that we still support them.

Hero Fund’s 2011 Scholarship Recipients

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:24:00 -0500

The Canadian Hero Fund significantly built on the momentum of the past year, announcing four new scholarships on November 1^st that we have awarded to children of fallen Canadian soldiers. The announcement was made at a press conference in Toronto, on the campus of the University of Toronto very close to where several of us first hatched the idea for Hero Fund several years ago.

It’s safe to say this was a big step forward – this year’s four was a substantial leap from last year’s one scholarship, our very first ever. We’re proud of the work we have done and happy to be able to make a bit of an improvement in the life of four kids who have lost so much.

We’re looking forward to growing and spreading the word about the support we provide for children of fallen soldiers. If you know anyone who might qualify for one of our scholarships, don’t hesitate to point them towards us. And if you’re one of the many Canadians who have supported us along the way either financially or with your time, thanks again!

Our recipients for this year are:

GALE GILLAM, daughter of the late Sergeant Craig Gillam and second-year student at the University of New Brunswick: ”This scholarship means to me that people do realize behind every great soldier is a family, behind every man holding a gun is a woman holding his children, and behind every casket going down the highway of heroes is the family following.”

MATTHEW MELLISH, son of the late Warrant Officer Frank Mellish and second-year student at the University of New Brunswick: ”…I would give anything to have him with us, for him to see the milestones I have reached or those yet to come. I hope the Canadian public will see this as a kind gesture and as a show of hope for our future and the future of Canada.”

MILANN MITCHELL, daughter of the Captain Bryan Mitchell and second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan: “I am truly grateful for what this organization is doing for me and others like myself. To me, the Canadian Hero Fund represents hope and a helping hand to those who need it.”

ADAM NAISMITH, son of the late Captain Kevin Naismith and third-year student at the University of Saskatchewan: ”I am a Bachelors of Fine Arts major and my goal is to become a pilot in the military. The Canadian Hero Fund represents something very important. It shows that what happened to our parents is not forgotten.”

Academic Help: Universities Pitch in to Support 11 for 11

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:24:00 -0500

On Remembrance Day 2011, we were lucky to have several of our friends on university campuses across the country put on events to support us. At our core, Hero Fund is about grassroots engagement so we were really excited to take our cause to students from so many different parts of the country. Here’s a list of some of the events that went on:

— At the University of British Columbia our UBC Hero Fund affiliate put on a Hot Chocolate For Heroes event that gave folks a tasty beverage in exchange for a donation to support our 11 for11 campaign.

— At Queens University in Kingston, a great team put on a ‘Busking for Heroes’ event in front of their campus library. There was music, warm beverages and a great chance for students to contribute to 11 for 11. Talk about a cool study break for the folks inside the library cramming for midterms!

— At McGill University the Campus Conservatives club put on a pub night for Hero Fund. Folks of all different political stripes came out to enjoy a pint and simultaneously contribute to our 11 for 11 campaign.

— At the University of Toronto, mere steps from where it all began, our Toronto team put on Hot Chocolate for Heroes. We went through several large pots of warm tastiness and were deeply moved by the kind words of folks passing by who donated to 11 for 11.

Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to organize and attend these events. You can’t have a grassroots charity without the grassroots, and you guys got it done. We’re always looking to expand our campus presence, so feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like to help spread Hero Fund to your campus.

Introducing Randall Cook

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 01:15:00 -0400

G’day, to all The Canadian Hero Fund friends and followers.

I’d like to introduce myself to you, my name is Randall Cook; I am the person behind the Twitter tweets and Facebook posts as of April 6, 2011.

I wanted to introduce myself to you so you could know a bit about the person who has been chosen to be the social media voice of the Canadian Herofund.

I am a veteran of the Canadian Forces Navy. I entered the Navy in 2003 at the age of 41. I wouldn’t say it was a midlife crisis that brought me to the CF, it was the 9/11 attacks on freedom and democracy that brought me.

I was medically released from the CF in Feb. 2008 after a NATO SMNG1 tour onboard HMCS Montreal and a two and a half year posting to the Acoustic Data Analysis Centre in Halifax NS. During my time in the CF I served as a Sonar Operator and Acoustic Analyst.

As I sat watching the horrific events of 9/11 unfold from my livingroom in Chicago, Illinois the magnitude of what I was watching didn’t hit me until the confirmation came in that it was two American Airlines planes that were involved in the attack, One into the first tower and the other into the Pentagon. Within a week I called the recruiting office in Chicago and asked to re-enlist, yes re-enlist, because I am also a veteran of the United States Navy. I served in a Patrol Squadron (VP-23) from 1980-1986. I served as an Acoustic Analyst onboard the long range aircraft tracking Soviet nuclear and diesel submarines during the last few years of The Cold War.

After serving in the USN, I decided to find work in the aviation field and that lead me to American Airlines. In March of 1987 I began my 10 year career as an International Flight Attendant with American Airlines flying out of O’Hare Airport in Chicago. As I had said earlier, the magnitude of 9/11 hit me when I saw that American Airlines planes had been used in the attack. Three classmates from my AA training class were working on those two planes, two on the first one and one on the second.

I have always felt a strong desire to serve in any capacity and now I had a big fire lit under by butt. I was denied the opportunity to re-enlist in the USN because I was too old (39) at the time. As luck would have it I was also researching the process to declare my Canadian Citizenship (I was born and raised in the states but had always had dual-citizenship). I found during my research that the CF would allow new members up to the age of 50, so I packed my bags and visited my Mom in Ottawa for Canada Day 2002 and while in Ottawa I met with the recruiting office and found what I needed to apply and I was on my way. I received my citizenship card at the beginning of November 2002 and arrived in Ottawa on November 29, 2002. I entered basic training at CFLRS on March 22 2003.

When I could no longer serve in the forces, I kept looking for ways to serve those who still did. I went to rallys, wore red on Fridays, attended services on November 11^th and supported anything to do with the Canadian Forces.

For the last three years I have been a student (at age 47-50) at Mohawk College in Hamilton, ON. I have graduated with honours from the Tourism and Travel program and just completed the Post Graduate program of Event Management. Along with my studies came a big desire to stay connected with my mates from the navy both USN and CFN and I found that possible with Twitter and Facebook. I also found The Canadian Hero Fund twitter page and Facebook page and began following them. I have followed this organization for the last year and when possible I would find myself talking about things I had seen on their pages or in their tweets.

When I saw the tweet about them looking for a Social Media Coordinator, I thought this would be perfect for me. I could finally be involved with a project that is so important to me and I could work alongside a group of young men and women who saw that a gap existed in our society that needed filling.

I am honoured by the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful organization and I am humbled by the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of these young team members that started this wonderful project and I am in Awe of the strength, support and compassion that you, the followers and friends have shown with your comments and commitment to our cause. I look forward to engaging with all of you over the coming months and I hope now that you can put a face to the organization you will feel free to contribute to the conversation.

Cheers,

Randall Cook

http://twitter.com/#!/herofund - The Canadian Hero Fund on Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/herofund - Facebook page for The Canadian Hero Fund

http://twitter.com/#!/Randall_Cook - Personal Twitter Name

http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/randall-cook/12/407/394 - My Personal Linkedin Profile Page

Photos from the UFC 129 Press Conference at the Rogers Center in...

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:14:49 -0500

Photos from the UFC 129 Press Conference at the Rogers Center in Toronto, February 8 2011.

The Canadian Hero Fund was at the UFC 129 Press Conference at...

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 19:09:19 -0500

The Canadian Hero Fund was at the UFC 129 Press Conference at the Rogers Center in Toronto on February 8 2011. The team went down to thank Dana White, UFC Canada and Rogers Sportsnet for putting together the “UFC Fight for the Troops 2” fundraiser. We also ran into George St-Pierre who showed his support!

Fight for the Troops 2 Fundraising Announcement

Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:12:00 -0500

Canadian Hero Fund Press Release UFC Fight for the Troops 2

More photos from UFC Fight for the Troops watching party. With...

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 01:53:00 -0500

Chris Sonnen and Mark Halliday (L to R)

w/ Sahil Gulati @ Queens Quay location

More photos from UFC Fight for the Troops watching party. With Michael Ball of the Hero Fund are: Mark Halliday, Director of Marketing for UFC Canada; Chris Sonnen, President of Shoeless Joe’s; and Sahil Gulati, Franchise owner of Shoeless Joe’s, Queens Quay.

On January 22, 2011 the Canadian Hero Fund hosted members of the...

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 22:50:00 -0500

On January 22, 2011 the Canadian Hero Fund hosted members of the military at Shoeless Joe’s, Queens Quay Toronto for the UFC Fight for the Troops broadcast. CF Regiments represented included the Lorne Scots, Toronto Scottish Regiment, Royal Regiment of Canada, 7th Toronto Regiment, and 32 Combat Engineering. Army News provided coverage of the event and the Canadian Hero Fund was joined by representatives from the UFC and from Shoeless Joe’s in hosting our military guests of honour!

Canadian Hero Fund UFC Fight for the Troops Public Service...

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:20:13 -0500

Canadian Hero Fund UFC Fight for the Troops Public Service Announcement with UFC President Dana White!

Executive Director Michael Ball is interviewed by Zack Cooper on...

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 21:17:00 -0500

Executive Director Michael Ball is interviewed by Zack Cooper on Rogers Sportsnet’s the FAN590 about the Canadian Hero Fund’s recent partnership with the UFC and the upcoming Fight for the Troops.

Official UFC Press Release - Fight for the Troops 2 Supports Canadian Hero Fund

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:52:03 -0500

Press Release: Canadian Hero Fund - UFC Fight for the Troops 2

On January 13, 2011 the Canadian Hero Fund visited the Royal...

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:47:00 -0500

On January 13, 2011 the Canadian Hero Fund visited the Royal Regiment of Canada at the Fort York Armoury in Toronto along with Showdown Joe Ferraro and UFC fighters Sam “Hands of Stone” Stout, Mark Bocek and Sean Pierson. Two types of “Warriors” traded stories and training tips, while footage was taken for the upcoming UFC Fight for the Troops 2 on Rogers Sportsnet - Saturday January 22 @ 9 ET, 7 MT, 6 PT.

Canadian Hero Fund is the official Canadian beneficiary of UFC...

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:26:05 -0500

Canadian Hero Fund is the official Canadian beneficiary of UFC Fight for the Troops!

Tune in to Rogers Sportsnet on Saturday January 22 @ 9 ET, 7 MT, 6 PT for the live broadcast!

Canadian Hero Fund was interviewed on CBC Metro Morning today -...

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 12:20:00 -0500

Canadian Hero Fund was interviewed on CBC Metro Morning today - one year after our first interview with them when Hero Fund was just launching. It’s a year-in-review with a few thoughts from co-founder Tim Peters on why Hero Fund has managed to thrive online. Check it out!

Photo

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:14:07 -0500