Operation Stand Proud broke a record and the money poured in for Soldier On.
In an emotional address during a ceremony Thursday, Mike Eden, owner of Leons Trenton, the man who led the record breaking event, handed over a cheque for $22,024 to Soldier On.
The money was raised by the event that had 3,942 people dressed in red form a maple leaf at Centennial Park in Trenton.
Soldier On is a program of the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group committed to supporting veterans and serving members to adapt and overcome permanent physical or mental health injury or illness through physical activity and sport.
Often wiping away tears, Eden said the maple leaf event that set a Guinness World Record had support from across Canada and he is proud of the support from businesses as well.
Eden hopes for a monument in the park, and commended the local support of both individuals and businesses.
Former Medic Master Corporal Denise Hepburn was a participant in the Invictus Games in 2017.
Hepburn served in Afghanistan, lost two friends there, and suffers from PTSD.
She commented on the support given to Soldier On, which gives support to soldiers who need it.
“I was lucky enough to participate in three Soldier On events. For injured veterans and people that are still serving it’s huge. It’s a life changing experience. I participated in the Invictus Games and was able to participate with a friend of mine who I was on tour with who lost his legs while he was there. Just being able to have help for people like that …give them an opportunity to feel important. To feel like they are physically capable, mentally capable. It’s really huge.”
From left, Samuel Gagnon, Robert Gagnon, Felix Gagnon, Denise Hepburn, and Mike Eden (Photo: Mary Thomas, Quinte News)
Robert Gagnon participated in the Warrior games in the United States last April.
He tells Quinte News, “The support we get from the community and the outpouring that we’ve received from Operation Stand Proud is amazing. The monetary donation allows ill and injured members to redefine themselves and find a purpose again, through rehabilitation in sports.”
Meanwhile, Eden says the event involved the whole country and he hopes it continues.
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