On November 11, we observe a moment of silence to recognize the sacrifice of those soldiers who died fighting to protect the values and freedoms we all enjoy in Canada. For the Vanderwell family, and for many families who have over the years escaped unrest and warfare in their home countries, Remembrance Day has always had a special meaning.
As the First World War fast approached, the Vanderwell great grandparents and extended family left Holland, with some settling in Ontario and others home-steading in Alberta. In WWII several family members signed up to serve.
From those early days, Vanderwell has always strongly believed in supporting our veterans. Two years ago, we announced in a post here, that the company had made the largest lumber donation in its history to the Homes for Heroes Foundation, an amazing organization that builds tiny homes for veterans across Canada.
We are pleased to announce that the Grand Opening of the Kingston Veterans’ Village in Kingston, Ontario was held this past June and the lumber donated by Vanderwell went into building those 20 “tiny homes”.
The Veterans Village in Kingston is now full, and several veterans have already “graduated” from the program. There are currently Veterans Villages in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kingston, with another in the pre-construction phase in Winnipeg.
Since the program began, more than 100 veterans have used the “tiny homes” and then moved into permanent housing with full-time/part-time employment, or securing the necessary funding to live independently.
Today, 97,625 Canadians serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, either as members of the Regular Force or Primary Reserve Force and another 461,240 Canadians are veterans. Throughout our history, more 2.3 million Canadians have served in the military and of that total, more than 118,000 have died defending the values and freedoms that make Canada such a strong democracy.
In the Slave Lake area, there are a number of activities planned to commemorate Remembrance Day.
Check out the Slave Lake Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion
From now until November 11, the legion will be open Tuesday through Saturday and on Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. There are different items for sale including the traditional Poppy for Remembrance Day. Please call Terry at (780)-849-3769 if you would like more information.
Sponsor a Cross for Remembrance Day
The Slave Lake Arts Council is partnering with the Slave Lake Legion to create a Remembrance Day display. Students and seniors will decorate Remembrance day crosses and they will be placed on Main Street.
Individuals and local businesses may sponsor a cross and all of the money will be donated to the Slave Lake legion. When you sponsor a cross, you honour a veteran. Crosses can be sponsored for $20.00 in person by visiting 225 Main Street (The Old Tru-Value location), or online at https://www.showpass.com/sponsor-a-cross-for-remembrance-day/
Official Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Take Time to be with Family and Friends
The Town of Slave Lake and Dominion Lending are sponsoring various skating activities at the Multi-Rec Centre.
