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“When our families call out for help, we must be able to answer that call immediately and substantially. Our families have been here for us through our enrolment, our training, our deployments, and our homecomings. The military life places significant demands on our loved ones. They did not volunteer for service – but serve they do, and with great distinction. It is our turn to be there for our families.”
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General Rick Hillier former Chief of the Defence Staff
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The Military Families Fund was created in April 2007 by General Rick Hillier, the former Chief of Defence Staff to assist military families faced with unforeseen and often immediate needs that have resulted due to conditions of service. The fund continues to grow through the generous contributions of Canadians, corporations and other organizations, adding a new vehicle to support Canadian Forces members and their families.
The Military Families Fund (MFF) is an agile and responsive means for Base and Wing Commanders, in concert with Military Family Resource Centers (MFRC) across the country, to help military families within hours of being advised of need. It will help with short-term emergencies and also provide long-term support. The MFF allows CF leadership to meet the special-case needs of CF members and their families with speed and flexibility not always available through the traditional programs.
The MFF enhances and complements, it does not replace, existing public and non-public programs. The Fund fills the gaps by providing for the unforeseen and often immediate needs that families may have due to conditions of service.
The MFF works with the already established and substantial existing support programs offered through the Canadian Forces Personnel Support Agency (CFPSA) and elsewhere, to CF members and their families. The MFF allows for several areas of support, including rehabilitation, education, financial assistance in the case of injury or death of a CF member due to service, and urgent and extraordinary financial demands where the ability to provide family necessities is at risk.
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| "Without the benefit of being volunteers, our families serve, silently, in defence of Canada. Our wives, husbands, children, are the ones whose births and birthdays, first steps and first words are missed, who fear the evening news, or who start kindergarten in one province and grade one in another province – or in another country." |
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General Rick Hillier former Chief of the Defence Staff
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Testimonials |
“…..to all the families touched by the sacrifice of your fine young men and women. They serve to keep our ideals and freedom for us, God bless them all… Sincerely”
“…this year, my family decided that instead of giving gifts to each other for Christmas, we would request that our designated “giver” for 2007 would make a contribution to a needy organization of choice. I am giving to my father…….(a WW II veteran, RAF pilot), who requested that I make a donation in his name to your fund. With my warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008!.........”
“….we are very proud of the men and women serving in Canada’s military both at home and abroad. Recognizing that there are circumstances when emergencies arise and funds may be scare, we hope that this contribution, among others, will help a family in crisis…..”
“….easing the minds of our soldiers working under the stress of combat is certainly a worthwhile effort. Keep up the good work..”
“… This summer at our Vacation Bible School our theme was jobs in the Bible. As the children learned about being soldiers, shepherds, fishermen, carpenters and mothers, we also talked about modern jobs and the role members of the Canadian Forces play in places like Afghanistan. The children ages two to 12 drew pictures and wrote letters to our soldiers. They will be sent with members of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada who are preparing for Afghanistan now. …. Our prayer is that our military personnel will be able to make a difference and help bring peace. Thank you for serving our country….”
“….We realize that, considering the sacrifices that the brave men and women of our Armed Forces have made, this is a small gesture. We do hope that this gesture demonstrates our absolute respect, honour and pride that we have not only for the sacrifices our fallen soldiers but also for the men and women who continue to risk so much for our country…. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our soldiers who work hard each day to maintain the safety not only of Canadians but for people in need around the world. You are truly …heroes….”
“….We have the highest regard for the members of the CF and the utmost respect for the women and men who risk their lives to bring Canada’s beliefs in freedom and safety to many people around the world who are less fortunate. Consequently we feel privileged to be able to provide the families of these courageous Canadians with some measure of relief during their uncertain times….”
“….to all mums, spouses and children of the armed services. Just a note to let you know we are aware of your sacrifices as well & how brave and courages you are in holding down the home front. You are in my thoughts many days as I am & was an armed services wife. Hang in there & know people care. Hugs & kisses (extra ones) sent to all the children (no matter how big) from…………..”
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