Operation Raise a Flag Launches 2017 Fundraising Campaign for Veterans

Sunnybrook Veterans Centre honours our nation's heroes with 30,000 Canadian flags

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2017 /CNW/ - As we celebrate Canada's 150^th birthday it is important that we honour those who stood on guard to make our country strong and free. This November 11^th, Sunnybrook Veterans Centre will be planting a patriotic sea of Canadian flags for over 400 of our nation's Veterans to wake up to, honouring our country's war heroes.

Now in its seventh year, Operation Raise a Flag is officially launching its 2017 campaign, encouraging people across the nation to send a heartfelt personal note of thanks and supportive gift to our Veterans by donating online, by mail or over the phone. Each donation will be represented by one of 30,000 Canadian flags that will planted on the grounds of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. Each flag stands to express our gratitude, support and respect for the Veterans who fought to make Canada the glorious country it is today.

"Sunnybrook has a long and rich tradition of caring for Canada's war Veterans. We are proud of our legacy of caring for Canada's heroes and we are continuously striving to provide them with the best care and enhanced quality of life", says Dr. Jocelyn Charles, medical director of the Veterans Centre. 

Proceeds from the campaign will directly benefit veterans at Sunnybrook's Veterans Centre, home to 475 heroes, making it the largest Veteran care facility in Canada. Donations will help Veterans in the Centre's care benefit from community outings, continued learning opportunities, innovative equipment and quality family time. Donations also provide an opportunity for Veterans to fulfill their deepest wishes, such as a special outing with family, tickets to the theatre or attending major sporting events.

"Seeing the sea of red and white is a spectacular sight, very emotional and a real indication of the community's gratitude," says Don Stewart, Second World War veteran and President of the Resident's Council at Sunnybrook's Veterans Centre. "The courage and sacrifices of Canada's war veterans must never be forgotten."

Flags are available online at www.raiseaflag.ca with a $25 donation by calling the Sunnybrook Foundation at 1-866-696-2008.

About Sunnybrook Veterans Centre
Working in close partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre is the largest Veterans care facility in Canada and a recognized leader in the care of Veterans who are no longer able to live at home independently. No other facility provides such a high level of specialized, compassionate, resident-centered care through a dedicated inter-professional team.

SOURCE Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre