Canada Company Awards Annual Scholarships to 10 Children of Canadian Forces Members who have Perished

Recipients Honoured at Historic Fort York Ceremony

TORONTO, Aug. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence; Blake C. Goldring, Chairman of Canada Company and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AGF Management Limited; along with Lieutenant-General Peter Devlin, Commander of the Canadian Army today presented scholarships to the children of nine fallen Canadian Forces personnel.

The annual scholarships are provided as a tribute to fallen Canadian Forces personnel by a charitable business group called Canada Company. Each recipient will receive up to $4,000 per year for up to four years - to help defray the costs of their post-secondary education.

The fifth annual awards ceremony was held at Historic Fort York in downtown Toronto. The Fort served as the primary harbour defence for the city between the 1790s and the 1880s and was the home of a military garrison until the 1930s.

During the War of 1812 it was also the site of the Battle of York, in which British, Canadian and First Nations combatants defended the Town of York (Toronto) against U.S. forces. Today, the Fort's walls enclose Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings.

"Historic Fort York is a fitting backdrop to honour these fine recipients. The Fort is an important part of our growth as a province and our military history," said Goldring. "The students understand the sacrifice that was made at this site 200 years ago. Their parents made the ultimate sacrifice when they made a commitment to serve our country and today our commitment is to help these students pursue their education."

"DND and the CF are committed to supporting and enhancing the quality of life of the military community, which includes families of fallen Canadian Forces members," said Minister MacKay. "I am gratified that organizations like Canada Company contribute so generously to this goal, and provide a meaningful tribute to the families of our fallen Canadian heroes."

"Canada Company and Blake Goldring continue to demonstrate extraordinary leadership and compassion as they work to help our military families. Today, we once again see their motto rings true - there truly are 'Many Ways to Serve'," said General Walt Natynczyk, the Chief of the Defence Staff.  "On behalf of the men and women of the Canadian Forces and their families I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Canada Company for its great work and for this scholarship fund."

Natasha Roberge, daughter of the late Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge and Ms. Monique Aubin, expressed thanks on behalf of the scholarship recipients and said, "As a student, it is difficult to balance finances and grades at the same time. Canada Company has greatly reduced some of the financial pressure as well as given me the opportunity to meet other Canadian Forces families that have lost a parent - something I might have otherwise never done."

The 2012/13 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 enrolled at the University of Winnipeg working towards a doctorate in Psychology.

Matthew Mellish of French Lake, New Brunswick is attending the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. (Not attending.)

Milann Mitchell of Regina, Saskatchewan is studying at the University of Saskatchewan.

Arina Naismith of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is enrolled at the College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan.

Francis David Paul of Ottawa, Ontario is attending Capilano University, School of Motion Picture Arts.

Marisa Paul of Ottawa, Ontario is studying Social Sciences at the University of Western Ontario. (Not attending.)

Natasha Roberge of Hamner, Ontario is enrolled in an Honours Bachelor of Arts programme with a major in English at the University of Ottawa.

Laura Squires of Edmonton, Alberta is attending Grant MacEwan University and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program.

Ryan Ternapolski of Pembroke, Ontario is enrolled in the Nursing Program at Laurentian University.

About The Canada Company Scholarship Fund

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 who have died on duty while serving in an active role in a military mission of the Canadian Forces or reserves since January 2002 are eligible to apply. The Canada Company Scholarship Fund will provide scholarship grants to children dating back to January 1, 2002.

Canada Company scholarships have received leadership funding in the amount of $1 million from CIBC. Additional financial support was secured from Paul Desmarais, Jr., Power Corporation; Peter Munk, Founder and Chairman of Barrick Gold Corporation; Jim Balsillie; RBH Inc.; The W. Garfield Weston Foundation; The TD Bank Financial Group, BMO Financial Group; Scotiabank; Standard Life; Laurentian Bank of Canada / B2B Bank (formerly 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.

About Canada Company

Canada Company is a federally registered charity created in 2006 which brings community and business leaders from across Canada together to support Canadian soldiers in the work that they do at home and abroad. The organization is apolitical and is an advocate for Canadians who serve, or wish to serve, in the Canadian Forces - regular and reserve - and their families, ensuring that they receive the widest possible support, recognition and care. Canada Company's motto is Many Ways To Serve. Visit www.canadacompany.ca

SOURCE: Canada Company