Today, the True Patriot Love (TPL) Foundation, in partnership with the CBC and documentary channel, launched the TPL EXPEDITION MARCH TO THE TOP, a training mission to prepare an inspiring and courageous team of soldiers and civilians for a three-week Himalayan trek up to Everest base camp and the 6,189-m summit of Island Peak.
Training in Canmore, Alta., the expedition team comprises retired and reserve Canadian Forces members, many of whom are recovering from physical and mental wounds sustained in the course of their service. Continuing their service to Canada, the soldiers are raising awareness and funds for other ill and injured soldiers, assisting the True Patriot Love Foundation in its effort to raise funds to support military families on mental health initiatives, health research and camps for military children through such organizations as the Military Family Fund, Soldier On and Military Family Resource Centres.
Award-winning country singer Paul Brandt hosted an acoustic campfire concert to add his support to the initiative by celebrating this inspiring group. The launch featured a press conference attended by Laurie Skreslet, the first Canadian to summit Everest. MP Brian Storseth, True Patriot Love Expedition Co-Chair Tim Hodgson, documentary channel head Bruce Cowley, and expedition leader and documentary filmmaker Ben Webster spoke to the assembled media and local residents.
The expedition will be filmed for a multi-part documentary special, which will air Sunday, Jan. 27 at8 p.m.ET/10 p.m.PT on documentary, and Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV. Until then, visit cbc.ca/marchtothetop and expeditionhimalayas.cato follow the soldiers on their journey, as they update their progress with blog and video posts, and to meet the team behind this incredible project.
“For many members of the Canadian Forces, the profound effects of physical injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder are just beginning to surface,” said Bronwen Evans, True Patriot Love founding director. “‘March to the Top’ brings much-needed awareness to the challenges facing military families and helps our Foundation achieve our objective of funding support in three crucial areas: The physical rehabilitation of soldiers, mental health and family supports.”
“The courage and determinationexhibited bythese brave soldiersis an inspiration to all Canadians,” said Defence Minister Peter MacKay. “Their strength and resilience will, no doubt, propel them to success ontheirmountain adventure.”
“The CBC and documentary channel are proud partners in the ‘March to the Top’ project,” said Bruce Cowley, creative head, digital channels, CBC. “This incredible adventure truly represents courage, determination and heart, and is one we know Canadians will want to follow on all of our platforms.”
Learn more:
About True Patriot Love
The True Patriot Love Foundation was formed by a group of dedicated business leaders to support and honour members of the Canadian military and their families, while also building bridges between Canadian civilians and the military to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.
Since its inception three years ago, TPL has raised almost $11 million for military family health and support, for the physical health and rehabilitation of our injured military personnel, and for the mental health and well-being of both our military and their families. TPL’s fourth annual True Patriot Love Tribute Gala, presented by Bell, is on Nov. 1, 2012 in Toronto.
Please visit truepatriotlovefoundation.com for more information.
About documentary
documentaryis CBC’s award-winning specialty channel devoted to showing the best documentaries from Canada and around the world. With its special emphasis on feature length films, watching documentaryis like having an HD cinema in your own living room.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages. For more information, visit cbc.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Hilary Coles, True Patriot Love Foundation
416.628.4972
hcoles@truepatriotlove.com
Melissa Prince, Veritas Communications
P) 416.482.2669
C) 416.704.8733
prince@veritascanada.com
