The Canadian Hero Fund is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting Canadian military personnel and their families. It was founded in 2009 by a group of students at the University of Toronto who were deeply impacted by the increasing number of Canadian casualties and the young families they left behind. The initial goal of the Canadian Hero Fund is to raise funds to provide post-secondary scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen Canadian soldiers. The Canadian Hero Fund also acts as a conduit for all Canadians to show their support and care for military families and their sacrifice. Link to Canadian Hero Fund website: http://www.herofund.ca Facebook.com/herofund Twitter.com/herofund

1. Civilian, Grassroots “Hero Fund” Marks Holiday Season with Campaign to Support
Military Families
TORONTO, ON, Nov. 30, 2009 - A new civilian charity supporting military personnel
and their families officially launched its website today. The Canadian Hero Fund is a
registered charity dedicated to raising money for families of fallen soldiers through
community, grassroots efforts. Founded by university students, the organization has a
specific focus on youth engagement.
“With the launch of this website we’re expanding the opportunities for Canadians to
express their gratitude and support for the families of our military personnel,” said
Michael Ball, executive member of the fund. “The site along with other online tools will
leverage social networking to engage Canadians across Canada – young and old – to
come together in common cause.”
The Canadian Hero Fund’s first goal is to raise $2.5m over 5 years, which will go to
support scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen servicemen and women. By
focusing efforts and engagement at a grassroots level, the Fund allows Canadians from all
walks of life to have an opportunity to express their thanks and contribute in whatever
way they can – large or small – in a show of support. Families will be able to apply for
scholarships through the website.
“Canadians are looking for ways to express their thanks,” said Tim Peters, co-founder of
the fund. “By promoting a grassroots approach the Fund is giving individuals,
communities and groups who are looking for an opportunity to give back the chance to
do so.”
The Website allows Canadians to donate online, on a one-time or monthly basis. It also
allows Canadians to engage, learn, connect and offers tips to organizing local events to
raise funds and engage others. To date, the Fund has established a network of Canadians
from across the country, through growing online communities on Facebook and Twitter.
Third-party fundraising has already taken place with a benefit concert in Sault Ste Marie
organized by a U of T student that raised over $1,600. More events are being planned at
university campuses across the country.
Founded by university students in 2009, the Canadian Hero Fund is a registered charity
dedicated to assisting military families, with a focus on grassroots initiatives and youth
engagement. The motto “Keeping Their Dreams Alive” stands for the dreams of the
families and children that are sustained through Canadian Hero Fund support programs,
as well as the dreams of fallen soldiers who wanted more for future generations.
For more information about the Canadian Hero Fund or to speak with its organizers and
directors, visit herofund.ca or contact: info@herofund.ca | 888-602-3071