Stephen Blais, Ottawa Catholic School Board trustee for Orléans-Cumberland, is donating the final portion of his 2009 raise to Canadian military families.

Blais announced last Friday that he donated $2,500 to the Military Families Fund and the Soldiers On Fund.

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

The Military Families Fund was created in April of 2007 by General Rick Hillier, the former Chief of Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces to help military families with needs as a result of conditions of service.

The Soldiers On Fund is a program designed to optimize the functional independence of ill or injured Canadian Forces personnel or former soldiers. The program encourages these individuals to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. It supports these people in increasing independence, developing new skills and to achieve their goals. It also assists them to socialize and explore common interests with others, while also sharing learning experiences.

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

Earlier this year, Blais gave the first portion of his trustee raise to the Ottawa School Breakfast Program to help celebrate its 20th year in providing breakfast to children in need in all four major school boards.

Blais also used his trustee raise for past initiatives, such as establishing a yearly bursary at Carleton University to help a graduating student at St. Matthew Catholic High School or St. Peter Catholic High School in Orléans.