Stephen Blais donating raise to Military Families Fund and Soldier On. We must ensure that the families of our brave soldiers have the support they need…when they need it – we owe them no less.

Orléans-Cumberland Catholic School Board Trustee Stephen Blais announced that he has donated the final portion of his 2009 Trustee raise to support Canada’s brave men and women in uniform and their families.

“The men and women of the Canadian Forces, and their families, have sacrificed so much to protect our security and freedom,” says Trustee Blais. “I hope that my donation can, in some small way, impact the lives of these people to whom we owe so much."

Trustee Blais’ donation of $2,500 will go to support the Military Families Fund and the Soldier On Fund.

The Military Families Fund was created in April 2007 by General Rick Hillier, the former Chief of Defence Staff, to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often immediate needs that have resulted due to conditions of service.

“Military families make up a large part of our community here in Orléans – affectionately referred to as CFB Orléans,” adds Blais. “We must ensure that the families of our brave soldiers have the support they need…when they need it – we owe them no less.”

Soldier On is a program designed to optimize the functional independence of ill or injured Canadian Forces personnel or former personnel. The program encourages these personnel to attain and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. It supports these personnel in increasing their independence, in developing new skills and in achieving goals. It furnishes an opportunity for them to socialize and explore common interests, and share learning experiences.

“Going from fully fit and able-bodied to disabled with no legs instantly is a tough row to hoe,” adds Major Mark Campbell. “Everything you used to take for granted is now a deliberate undertaking. Everything takes longer and everything's extremely difficult. But at the end of the day it is programs like Soldier On that make your new life tolerable."

Major Campbell was skiing the slopes of Mt Washington seven months after his injuries.

“It is important for elected officials to raise awareness of issues that affect our community and residents,” adds Blais. “We cannot overlook the needs of our soldiers and their families after they have given us so much.”

Information on how to donate to both funds can be found at www.cfpsa.com.

In his first year, Trustee Blais established of a yearly bursary to be awarded to a graduating student, in financial need, from St. Peter or St. Matthew High Schools in Orléans. The $5,000 donation to Carleton University was matched dollar for dollar by the provincial government through the Ontario Trust for Student Support for a total value of $10,000. The yearly bursary will continue annually in perpetuity due to the earned interest on the donation.

Last year, Trustee Blais donated his raise to fund cancer research through the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. A portion of Blais’ donation was matched by Scotiabank for a total donation value of $7,500.

Earlier this year, Trustee Blais donated the first half of his Trustee raise to the Ottawa School Breakfast Program to help celebrate its 20th year providing breakfast to children in need. The program serves breakfast to 11,000 students in our community every day.