Canadian Foundation Enhances Support for Military Families Year-Round

A Canadian organization is committed to supporting veterans, active military members, and their families every day of the year. The True Patriot Love Foundation, established in 2009, has raised funds to support community-based programs across Canada. Its initiatives extend beyond the annual observance of Remembrance Day on November 11, ensuring ongoing assistance for those who have served.

Eleanor Taylor, the foundation’s head of community engagement and advocacy, brings a unique perspective, having served for 27 years as an infantry officer. She explains that understanding the impacts of military service can be challenging for those outside the community. “If you think about it from the perspective of the serving member, you can be exposed to a lot of different things through the course of an entire career, or even a short career, that could require physical rehabilitation or mental health support,” she says.

Transitioning to civilian life presents its own set of challenges. Taylor highlights the need for support in navigating this significant life change. “You have no family doctor, you have no sense of the employment landscape, you have no network, and there are programs that can support all of these things,” she notes. This transition can be likened to relocating to a new country, where individuals may not be fluent in the local language or familiar with available resources.

The impact of military service extends beyond the individual to their families. Taylor emphasizes that when a person dons a uniform, their entire family serves alongside them. “There are impacts to the spouses of military members as they move across the country time and time again,” she explains. The frequent relocations often hinder spouses from pursuing their own careers and add to the challenges of managing a family amid the stress of military life, including deployments and potential injuries.

Since its inception, the True Patriot Love Foundation has funded over 1,100 community-based partners across Canada, benefiting more than 4,400 individuals. Some of the organizations supported include the Veteran Farm Project Society in Sweet’s Corner, the Veterans Transition Network, and the Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre, all located in Nova Scotia. “There are a lot of wonderful organizations serving here in Nova Scotia… so by funding True Patriot Love, we support the need where it is greatest,” Taylor adds.

On November 11, the foundation will participate in the Remembrance Day ceremony in Halifax, laying a wreath at the Grand Parade. Taylor will also lay a wreath on behalf of the Women Veterans Council, further emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families.

The True Patriot Love Foundation continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of Canada’s military community, ensuring that support is available not just on Remembrance Day, but throughout the year.