Friends of the Canadian Armed Forces take on COVID-19
Thanks to our many supporters across the country, we have been able to provide timely support to our military.
For many years, the support of our generous partners has made responding to the unique needs of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families possible.
To maintain a strong fighting force during the COVID-19 pandemic, Support Our Troops, and, by extension, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, has pivoted traditional operations towards providing emergency financial support and more virtual programming with an emphasis on mental health and wellness.
As we continue to feel the impact of COVID-19 here and around the world, we recognize our sponsors for their dedication to supporting our troops at home and abroad.
Bank of Montreal
BMOs’ mascot, Hubert, cheering on runners at the 2019 Canada Army Run in Ottawa
For decades, BMO has championed all elements of the Canadian Armed Forces. From supporting outreach to help raise funds at our signature events – Air Force Run, Navy Bike Ride, and Canada Army Run – to building military family resiliency by sponsoring various initiatives such as National Child Day and Canadian Armed Forces Day. BMO stands ready to support our military, when and where needed. BMO, the official bank of the Canadian Defence community, is present on Bases and Wings across the country, supporting events and programs for our women and men in uniform.
Aware of the unique challenges military families face, especially now, BMO contributes to Military Spousal and Entrepreneurship Programs through the BMO Support Our Troops Mastercard Program.
BMO has also provided tremendous support to communities beyond the Canadian Armed Forces. BMO’s $1 million donation to United Way in mid-March fills gaps in community services urgently needed for vulnerable individuals affected by COVID-19. Learn more.
Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited
Drummers greet participants at the 2018 Canada Army Run as they pass through the Canadian Tire Corporation’s archway.
Canadian Tire Corporation’s presence at our three signature events is essential for raising awareness and donations to support programing for military members, veterans, and their families. Also committed to supporting military youth through various recreational opportunities, Canadian Tire Corporation will be supporting by having two professional athletes to participate in virtual sessions offered through Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services’ June is Recreation Month.
Canadian Tire Corporation is helping Canadians and communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by donating $1 million each to the Canadian Red Cross and the United Way Centraide Canada, as well as up to $3 million in personal protective equipment and essential products from across their family of companies. Learn more.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
Scotiabank Arena leadership ready for another day of cooking and delivering meals at Scotiabank Arena.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has been a staunch supporter of the military since changing its name from the Toronto St. Pats. Every year sports fans look forward to celebrating
Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Games, a night dedicated to our troops. Not only does MLSE rally support for our military under the Yellow Ribbon, but the group is also known for its philanthropy. Most recently, the Leafs' Alumni group committed a 3-year, $200,000 donation to Support Our Troops.
Scotiabank Arena, home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, has transformed its space into a giant kitchen during COVID-19, donating approximately 10,000 meals per day to Toronto’s front-line healthcare workers, their families, and homeless shelters. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment will continue cooking for the community five days a week, at least through June, with the goal of delivering half a million meals.
Learn more.Royal Canadian Legion
Legion volunteers packing gift boxes as part of Op Santa Claus
The Royal Canadian Legion has been a staple of military outreach programs across the country, including Op Santa Claus and our three signature events. They are committed to continuing their support in 2020.
Social distancing does not mean social isolation. The Royal Canadian Legion is supporting Veterans, including still serving and retired military members and RCMP officer at home through their
Virtual Coffee Breaks and Operational Stress Injury (OSI)
Buddy Check-ins. The Legion has also generously donated thousands of dollars to local food banks.
Rogers Sports & Media
Ted Rogers Community Grants presents a cheque in support of the Gear Up program
Ted Rogers Community Grants supports Gear Up, a youth leadership program at CFB Gagetown, NB, home to over 4,000 CAF children and youth. Through activities such as rock climbing, geocaching, and zip lining, these kids will learn the value of accountability, build skills such as decision-making, and become leaders.
Rogers’ Hearts and Smiles campaign aims to raise awareness and funds in support of our Canadian healthcare warriors as they continue the fight to flatten the curve. Proceeds from sales of limited-edition t-shirts and masks go to
The Frontline Fund. In addition to providing personal protection equipment, the fund also provides frontline workers with resources and other medical supplies, and is helping to fund the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more.Sobeys
Sobeys volunteer decorates cookies with children at last year’s Family Days event
Sobeys has a long tradition of supporting our military community, on Bases and Wings but also through
OP Santa Claus, an initiative that sends home comforts to our deployed troops over the holidays.
Through the “One Big Family” social media campaign, Sobeys highlighted the incredible efforts of its employees and frontline medical staff. The campaign was intended to raise awareness for their Community Action Fund, empowering more than 1,500 of their food and drug stores across Canada to help their community’s most urgent needs during COVID-19 through food bank donations, gift cards, and meals for at-risk people.
Learn more.METRO
Members of the METRO team prepare a holiday package for deployed troops over the holidays.
During the holiday season, METRO provided deployed members with a holiday package full of various treats and well wishes from home.
METRO continues to support local community partners during the COVID-19 outbreak with a donation of $1 million ($500,000 to Feed Ontario and Food Banks of Québec, and $500,000 to United Way). These funds will support food security and other essential services, including eldercare and mental health support.
Learn more. The Beer Store
The Beer Store supports military members and their families by hosting artwork for bid in 50 of their Ontario locations as part of the
Art Easel Program.
During the pandemic, The Beer Store has expanded its number of locations across Ontario that take deposit returns. Customers are able to take their empties back to more than 200 stores, or approximately 50% of the total number of stores in the province. Customers will have the option of donating their deposits to local hospital and foodbank fundraising efforts.
Learn more.Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays true support of the Canadian Armed Forces shines through on Canada Day, as well as their Sunday home games, known as the "Sunday Salute." The Jays Care Foundation also generously supports the
National Summer Camps Program, which offers financial support for military children to attend summer camp.
The Conquer COVID-19 is a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization facilitating access to priority products that are essential to the healthcare community.
Learn more.