Operation: Western Front a Huge Success for Canadian Military Families

VANCOUVER, BC, March 05, 2011

Operation: Western Front (OWF) - a very special initiative organized by mission commanders and philanthropists Warren M. Spitz and W. Brett Wilson to raise awareness and funds for military causes - has collected a stunning $1.5 million in sponsorship and donations. The funds will be donated to various military programs - including Outward Bound for Veterans and Canada Company, a charitable, non-partisan organization that builds a bridge between business and community leaders and the Canadian Military Forces, including providing scholarships to surviving offspring of fallen Canadian Forces personnel. The funds will support a variety of other needs - from medical support to childcare and financial aid - and will be directed through Canada's True Patriot Love Foundation.

"Brett and I have been honoured to organize this event to celebrate the selfless service of Canada's military - past and present - and their families," said Spitz. "I have often quoted the line, "If you don't want to stand behind our troops, try standing in front of them." Through their support of this event, Western Canada's business and community leaders have stood up for Canada's troops - and we're grateful for their generous support of this often overlooked cause," added Wilson.
OWF, the first of its kind in Canada, was held last night at the Vancouver Convention Centre, with more than 900 people in attendance. Dignitaries such as Minister of Defence Peter MacKay, Canada's Chief of Defence Staff General Walter Natynczyk, Premier Gordon Campbell, and Mrs. Laureen Harper were in attendance, along with a number of athletes and other celebrities and a special guest appearance by KISS band member Gene Simmons. Bell Canada was the event's Presenting Sponsor.

"On behalf of the men and women of the Canadian Forces and their families, I want to thank you for your support," said General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of the Defence Staff. "By being part of this tremendous event, you are demonstrating your pride in Canada's soldiers, sailors, airmen and women both at home and abroad."

As part of the festivities, the Vancouver Convention Center was converted into a Forward Operation Base and guests experienced a Night in a Kandahar mess tent. In addition to black-tie and cocktail dress, the unusual dress code invited guests to dress in the colours and style of the military or safari - including camouflage gear.

"This event was a lot of fun but it put an important spotlight on the everyday challenges facing members of the Canadian Forces - and their families," said Shaun Francis, Chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation. "From paying for fitness equipment for injured soldiers to summer camps for kids whose parents are deployed overseas, these funds will enhance everything we do. And the strong show of support from the Western Canadian business community is a tremendous boost to morale for our troops and their families. Thank you to Warren, Brett, the donors and sponsors for making this such an exceptional event that supports so many worthy recipients."

For interviews or more information, contact:
Maureen O'Brien
Velocity Public Relations
604-613-4052 or Maureen@velocitypr.ca
Background
Operation: Western Front was organized by friends and philanthropists W. Brett Wilson and Warren M. Spitz and included performances by a The Black Boots, John McDermott, Shaun Koyczan, Lachlan Patterson, James Keelaghan & Oscar Lopez, Beverley Mahood & Kenny Munshaw.

The True Patriot Love Foundation (www.truepatriotlovefoundation.com) was founded in 2009 by a group of citizens who want to make a positive contribution to the lives of Canadian military personnel and their families - to serve those who serve on behalf of our nation. The Foundation has grown through generous contributions from patriotic Canadians, corporations and other organizations.

The Foundation supports funds and charities dedicated to supporting the Canadian Military and their families. Through these charities and funds, we are able to help families quickly reunite in times of illness, injury and death, access rehabilitation and counselling related to injury-induced life adjustments and support the needs of the children of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and our fallen comrades. Our funding complements and enhances, but does not replace, existing public and non-public programs. EVEN HEROES NEED HEROES.

Warren M. Spitz is the founder of the UCS Forest Group - an importer, exporter, and distributor of specialty wood products. Mr. Spitz is active in the industry and is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Wood Products Association as well as a member of their Executive Committee. He recently co-Chaired a Task Force for sustainable international forest practices for the IWPA, as well as a task force on Lumber Inspection Services for the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Mr. Spitz and his family support many not for profit organizations including Plan International, the Children's Aid Society, Habitat for Humanity, the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, the Toronto International Film Festival, and Salt and Light Television. He is also very active in the community, and sits on a number of boards, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Salt and Light Television.

W. Brett Wilson is Chairman of Canoe Financial, a privately owned investment management firm with over $1.5 billion in assets focused on providing investors with unique opportunities to profit from Canada's increasing prominence on the global stage. He is also Chairman of Prairie Merchant Corporation; a private merchant bank focused on business opportunities in the energy, agriculture, real estate, sports, and entertainment industries. In 1993, he co-founded FirstEnergy Capital Corp., a Canadian brokerage firm that provides investment-banking services to Canada's oil and natural gas sector. FirstEnergy is an industry leader, having participated in thousands of financing and M&A projects worth over $250 billion. For the past three years, Brett has enjoyed his role as the lead deal-making Dragon on the Gemini Award-winning CBC television show, Dragons' Den.

Go to http://www.operationwesternfront.ca for further information.