Leon’s Trenton, the locally owned Canadian retailer of furniture, furnishings and appliances since 1957, is pleased to invite the general public to help set a new Guinness World Record™ title for the largest human maple leaf. Called “Operation: Stand Proud” (#standproud), the record-breaking attempt will be made on Saturday, June 29th in Quinte West’s Centennial Park in support of The Canadian Armed Forces charity, Soldier On, whose mission is to inspire the recovery and rehabilitation of former and serving military members through the transformative power of sport. Together with caring community partners, Leon’s Trenton is spearheading “Operation: Stand Proud” as a sincere show of appreciation for the men, women and families who have dedicated their lives to serving Canada as a country.
“We are extremely proud of our deep military roots here in Quinte West,” says Mike Eden, Owner of Leon’s Trenton. “We see this patriotic opportunity to set the Guinness World Record™ for the largest human maple leaf on the Canada Day long weekend as a visual representation of our deep respect and sincere gratitude for those who selflessly serve, as well as their supportive families.”
“Operation: Stand Proud” will take place rain or shine with the aim of surpassing the current official record of 1,589 (held by the people of Grouse Mountain, British Columbia) to that of at least 5,000 participants. An official Guinness World Record™ representative will be onsite at Centennial Park to verify the number of participants and to announce the new record title.
Registration is free (although donations to Soldier On are appreciated), and all participants regardless of age or ability must register in advance in order to take part. Registration is easy and can be done online at https://leonstrenton.com/osp-registration/, in-store (Hwy 401 & Glen Miller Road) or via telephone at 613.394.3322 ext. 238. Registration closes on Wednesday, June 26 at 12:00 p.m. EST.
“Operation: Stand Proud” Event Schedule
- 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Event Check-in (T-shirt, head poncho and wristband to be provided)
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Leaf-boarding (human maple leaf formation to begin)
- 11:30 a.m.: Formal greetings and remarks
- 11:45 a.m.: Guinness World Record™ attempt
- 12:00 p.m.: Live performance by Cold Creek County
- 12:30 p.m.: Guinness World Record™ announcement, certificate presentation, cheque presentation to Soldier On
“Operation: Stand Proud” Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does it cost to register and participate?
A: Registration and participation is free-of-charge.
Q: Do children have to be registered?
A: Yes. All children, regardless of age, must be registered in order to take part in “Operation: Stand Proud.” This is a requirement from Guinness World Records™ in order to track and confirm how many people take part in the attempt.
Q: Is there a minimum age requirement?
A: No, there is no minimum age requirement.
Q: Are children’s strollers and wagons permitted?
A: Children’s strollers and wagons will not be permitted in the official attempt area. Children will need to be removed from strollers and wagons during the attempt. Children’s strollers and wagons can be left outside of the official attempt area. However, “Operation: Stand Proud” and its partners are not responsible for any lost or stolen items during the charitable event.
Q: Can those not registered by June 26th participate in the attempt?
A: There may be an opportunity for day-of walk-ons to participate in “Operation: Stand Proud” depending on the space in the leaf.
Q: Are pets permitted?
A: Pets are not permitted in the official attempt area and are not permitted to take part in the attempt.
Registered support animals with proper certification vests are the exception.
Q: Is this event accessible?
A: Leon’s Trenton is doing its best to make this event accessible for everyone in the community. Registrants should include any accessibility considerations in their online registration form. Alternatively, registrants with accessibility requirements may contact Brad Hedges (Sales Manager, Leon’s Trenton) with their requirements at 613-394-3322 ext. 226.
Q: Should participants wear red?
A: Leon’s Trenton will be providing all registered “Operation: Stand Proud” participants with a free, specially designed, red t-shirt to be worn during the official “Operation: Stand Proud” Guinness World Record™ attempt. Participants wishing to wear red prior to and following the attempt may do so, of course. Those who did not register beforehand will receive a red poncho for the attempt and will have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative t-shirt onsite with proceeds going to Soldier On.
Q: Is there parking onsite?
A: While there is limited parking available at Centennial Park (media note: onsite parking will be available for members of the media covering the charitable event), “Operation: Stand Proud” participants are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool, use public transit or the free “Operation: Stand Proud” shuttle buses provided with thanks by Parkhurst Transportation and Quinte Access. View shuttle schedule here:
Q: Will there be refreshments onsite?
A: “Operation: Stand Proud” will have food vendors and free water stations for the duration of the event.
This is an overhead map of Centennial Park (N is up)
About Soldier On
Soldier On is a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group and, since 2007, has been committed to supporting veterans and serving members to adapt and overcome permanent physical or mental health injury or illness through physical activity and sport. Soldier On is recognized for improving the quality of life of the ill and injured and is a highly visible and integral component of the Department of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed Forces’ commitment to the care of ill and injured members. By providing members with a safe environment to challenge themselves and get inspired in ways that they may not have thought possible, a re-introduction to an active lifestyle provides opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence and meet peers with similar challenges. Many members credit Soldier On with empowering them to adapt and re-integrate with local, community-based activities – and remain active for life.
About Leon’s Trenton
Leon’s Trenton is a third generation, family-owned retail franchise, proud to be furnishing homes since 1957. Its values are embedded in its culture and reflected in its behaviour, attitudes and daily interactions with customers and with each other. Leon’s Trenton does more than sell high quality brand name furniture, appliances and electronics. The retailer believes in community over competition, and giving back to the people who have helped the business thrive for over 62 years. For more information, follow Leon’s Trenton on Facebook (Leon’s Trenton), Instagram (leonstrenton) and on Twitter (@leonstrenton) or Leons website
About Guinness World Records™
Guinness World Records™ is the global authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the iconic annual Guinness World Records™ books have sold over 141 million copies in over 40 languages and in more than 100 countries. Guinness World Records’ worldwide television programs reach over 750 million viewers annually and more than 3.7 million people subscribe to its YouTube channel which enjoys more than 328 million views per year. The Guinness World Records™ commercial sales division provides customized consultancy services for some of the world’s top brands and agencies to help place record breaking at the heart of their marketing campaigns, employee-engagement programs, and live and experiential events. For more information, or visit the Guinness website
