TRUE PATR IOT LOV E FOUNDATION

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE EXPEDITION IMPACT REPORT

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE

EXPEDITION IMPACT REPORT

Even in times of peace, families are profoundly affected by the irregularities of regular military life. True Patriot Love receives funding

requests upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for a variety of needs: therapy and respite care for children with special needs, mental health treatments for injured soldiers, peer-to-peer support programs for veterans; the list goes on. As Canadians, we are known for our generosity and strong social programs, and it should be no different when it comes to supporting our military families.

THE CHALLENGE

16.5%A recent study from Statistics Canada states that 16.5% of full-time Canadian Armed Forces members (CAF) suffer from either a mental health or drug/alcohol-related disorder. The 16.5% does not include members of the Reserve Forces (28% of active CAF personnel) or veterans who have voluntarily released or have been medically released from the military.

1/3The Canadian Forces Mental Health Survey, conducted in 2014, reported that one third of CAF members feared that seeking aid through mental health services would damage their careers. Therefore, the true rate of mental health disorders may be higher than reported.

24% A 2010 study conducted by Statistics Canada showed that 24% of veterans released from service between 1998-2007 reported a diagnosed mental health condition.

THE SOLUTION: TRUE PATRIOT LOVE EXPEDITIONSTrue Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) has been honoured to produce ambitious expeditions around the world since 2012. These unique adventures pair civilian business leaders with members of the Canadian Armed Forces, both veterans and currently serving members, to shed light on the challenges of veterans’ transition, reduce the stigma of mental health issues, and create lasting mentorship opportunities for soldier participants.

Through three challenging expeditions, True Patriot Love has directly impacted the lives of 30 veterans and currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and engaged 50 influential Canadian business leaders. The expeditions have also increased awareness of the unique challenges that surround Armed Forces members as they transition from military life to civilian life. Corporate Canada representation has included senior executives from the following organizations: Alignvest, Barclays, Bennett Jones, Callisto Capital, Canso Funds, CPPIB, DNA Capital, Gluskin Sheff, Goldman Sachs, Greensoil Investments, Kestrel Management, Longos, Medcan Clinic, Morgan Stanley, OMERS, Onex, Power Corporation, Scotiabank, SHOP.ca, Stingray Digital and Transcontinental.

In addition, through the support from TPL’s generous sponsors and partners, these expeditions have inspired support from over 3500 individual donors and corporations, and since its inaugural year, there has been a significant growth in peer-to-peer fundraising and sponsorship support.

TRUE PATRIOT LOVE

EXPEDITION IMPACT REPORT

GROSS REVENUE YEAR-OVER-YEAR

2012 Climbed Island Peak, Himalayas (6189m)

$433,019

2014Skied to the Magnetic North Pole (100km)

$2,103,346

2016Climbed Vinson Massif,

Antarctica (4892m)

$2,456,583

Funds raised have been directed to support programs that focus on veterans’ transition and mental health, with counsel from Military and industry experts who identify programs with efficacy and that address the most urgent needs. Detailed within this report, you will find examples of these programs and stories from soldier participants who have benefited from the experience, the relationships that were formed, and the personal journeys travelled.

I have learned more from our veterans on these expeditions about bravery, patriotism, service, and a commitment to leaving no one behind than from any activity I have undertaken. Our vets are truly inspirational.

Timothy Hodgson, Managing Partner, Alignvest Management CorporationTPL Expedition Co-chair (Himalayas, North Pole and Antarctica)

ISLAND PEAK, HIMALAYAS (2012)THE ADVENTURE

Number of soldier participants on the expedition1421Number of Canadian business leaders on the expedition

6189m The summit of Island Peak, which is in close proximity to Mount Everest

EXPEDITION IMPACT REPORT

TRUE PATRIOT LOVETHE NUMBERS

Gross Revenue $433,019Sponsorship $70,000Donations $288,720Participant Fees $74,299*Expedition Expenses $318,233

NET REVENUE $114,786

THE IMPACT - DISBURSEMENTS Organization TPL Funding

Military Families Fund (MFF) $115,000TOTAL $115,000

The funds raised from the 2012 True Patriot Love Expedition was disbursed to the Military Families Fund (MFF), a initiative created to respond to military members and their families within hours of being advised of need. Through the MFF, the funds from the expedition were supportive of home and vehicle modifications for veterans with physical injuries in order to assist them in their rehabilitation and to enhance their independence. To date, 3 modified vehicles for injured soldiers were purchased, and 4 families were assisted with home modifications, for a total investment of $115,000.

MILITARY FAMILIES FUND (MFF)

MEET DAVID MACDONALD David, a soldier team participant, was injured during service in a rollover while on patrol in Afghanistan. His physical and mental injuries were extensive. Dealing with the depression, confusion and anger, David went back to school to complete a diploma in Fire Sciences & Technical Firefigher Studies, and he graduated the top of his class. The challenge with finding employment post-graduation, along with his impending divorce, caused him to fall back into his depression, and it was during that time he attempted to take his own life.

His life dramatically changed in 2012 when he took part in the True Patriot Love Expedition to the Himalayas. Since returning from the expedition, he has dedicated his life to raise support for military families, working as a paid intern at True Patriot Love before becoming the National Partnerships Director with Wounded Warriors Canada.

Everyday is a challenge, but you have to accept that challenge and get over it. My war with the Taliban ended that day in March, but my war with my injuries just began and it’s a war I continue to fight.

Cpl. David MacDonald, Himalayas Expedition Team Member

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2012, True Patriot Love was featured in a CBC Documentary titled “March to the

Top” which detailed the expedition adventure in

Nepal

* Civilian participants covered costs for both themselves and the soldier participants

TRUE PATRIOT LOVETHE MAGNETIC NORTH POLE (2014)THE ADVENTURE

12 Number of soldier participants on the expedition

Number of Canadian business leaders on the expedition 24100km The length the team skied to reach the Magnetic North Pole

THE NUMBERS Gross Revenue $2,103,346Sponsorship $405,000Donations $1,068,788Participant Fees $629,558*Expedition Expenses $1,074,977

NET REVENUE $1,028,369

THE IMPACT - DISBURSEMENTS Organization TPL Funding

University of Southern California - Virtual Reality Therapy for PTSD in soldiers and veterans

$551,000

University of Manitoba - Scholarship in Memory of Nunavut Soldier $10,000University of Manitoba - Research by Dr. Sarah Dentry-Travis $25,000Veterans Transition Network (University of British Columbia) $130,000Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur $120,000Legacy Place Society - Emergency Housing $32,000Military Families Fund - Special Needs $160,000

TOTAL $1,028,000

• University of soUthern California - Creation of Canadian version of Virtual Reality Therapy for PTSD. Now offered in 7 OSI clinics across Canada, with 54 clinicians trained in its use.

• University of Mantioba - A Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Health at The University of Manitoba, Dr. Sarah Dentry-Travis’ work is focused on the relationship between stress, epigenetics and the military. As a soldier participant on the expedition, Sarah had the unique opportunity to collect saliva samples from teammates in a challenging environment.

• veterans transition network - The first empirically supported group treatment program for veterans, which addresses transition and mental health through workshops and group therapy with trained clinicians and peer support.

• PrinCe’s oPeration entrePreneUr - The only bilingual sanctioned provider of entreprenurial training for the 5000 CAF members who transition each year. The ‘Based in Business’ bootcamps offer training resources, financing and mentoring. POE has grown to become a national program with four university campuses, including Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Paul J. Hill School of Business at the University of Regina, Dalhousie University and the University of Laval.

• legaCy PlaCe soCiety - Legacy Place Housing, located in Alberta, provides a short-term, safe living environment for military personnel while they receive assistance from professional counsellors for health rehabilitation from PTSD or other medical situations.

* Civilian participants covered costs for both themselves and the soldier participants

EXPEDITION IMPACT REPORT

TRUE PATRIOT LOVEMEET BRUNO GUÉVREMONT

VINSON MASSIF, ANTARCTICA (2016)THE ADVENTURE

Number of soldier participants on the expedition

Number of Canadian business leaders on the expedition

816

4892m3 Number of specialists on the expedition, including a researcher, a CAF medical doctor and an award-winning

Nikon photographer

The summit of Vinson Massif, one of the world’s Seven Summits

True Patriot Love has opened the doors of opportunity for me. When I was first asked to go on the North Pole Expedition, I was uncertain of what to expect and where I was on my road to recovery. The expedition, the struggles and the austere environment provided the right tools to help me deal with some of my toughest issues. Coupled with the unending care and willingness to help from every single business leader, it made this stage of my journey a complete success.

Bruno Guévremont, Leading Seaman (Ret’d), North Pole Expedition Soldier Participant

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2014, True Patriot Love was featured in a Shaw Documentary on

the History Channel titled “March to the Pole” which detailed the

expedition adventure to the North Pole.

It aired on November 11, 2014.

Bruno served in the Canadian Armed Forces for almost 15 years, including two tours in Afghanistan and one in Southeast Asia. The traumatic experiences Bruno endured took a toll on his mental health and, following his service, he was diagnosed with PTSD. Mentally, he missed the camaraderie of the military and was unsure of how to function in the civilian world on his own.

Bruno found a new camaraderie on the expedition in those who wanted to change the conversation about veterans and help inspire change within their business communities. Post-expedition, Bruno participated in the TPL-funded Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur (POE) ‘Better in Business’ bootcamp, which gave him the tools to open and operate his own CrossFit Gym in Victoria, BC.

EXPEDITION IMPACT REPORT

TRUE PATRIOT LOVETHE NUMBERS*

Gross Revenue $2,456,583Sponsorship $435,000Donations $1,271,583Participant Fees $750,0001

Expedition Expenses $1,599,478

NET REVENUE $857,105

INTERIM* IMPACT - DISBURSEMENTS Organization TPL Funding

Prospect Forces@Work (2016) $250,000Veterans Transition Network $56,000CIMVHR 2015 $100,000CIMVHR 2016 $100,000Outward Bound Canada - Veterans’ Program $42,600Military Families Fund - Special Needs $75,000

TOTAL DISBURSED TO DATE $623,600

TOTAL REMAINING TO DISBURSE $233,505* 2016 figures are not yet final

• Canadian institUte for Military and veteran health researCh (CiMvhr) - CIMVHR has become the hub for 40 Canadian universities and 4 global affiliates, who together have commited themselves to academic research and knowledge translation for the benefit of those who serve in the Canadian Military.

• oUtward boUnd Canada - The OBC Veterans’ Program is designed to support Canadian veterans as they address transition and wellness challenges related to deployment. The Veterans’ Program is an adventure-based resiliency training program that involves the participation of 10 veterans on a week-long adventure into the Canadian wilderness.

PROSPECT FORCES@WORKProspect Forces@WORK is a rapid direct job placement and retention service designed for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and veterans, specifically the ill and injured population. Prospect designed the Forces@WORK pilot program to address this gap and has been serving CAF members and veterans in Alberta and Northern Canada since 2012. Opportunities for growth across Canada are currently being explored.

The Interim reporting from Prospect is encouraging - TPL Funding of $250,000 was able to support 144 placements in 2015. With 12 placements per month, the estimated cost per client is $1,736.

MEET GLEN VILLAOur trip to Antarctica brought much joy and growth to my life. The harsh and unforgiving landscape forced us deep into each other’s personal lives...each member accepting their own strengths and limitations, as well as those of their teammates.

Glen Villa, Antarctica Expedition Team Member

Glen, who serves as a part-time paratrooper and works occasionally as a weapons handler in the film industry, had a dream to become a firefighter. He had taken many courses, but often struggled due to his PTSD as a result of his service. With this teammates cheering him on the whole time, Glen was able to conduct a satellite interview from Antarctica, securing him a place in the next round, and eventually a position within the Mississauga Fire Department.

1 Civilian participants covered individual costs & fundraised to cover the cost of soldier participants

True Patriot Love Foundation130 Bloor Street West, Suite 905Toronto, ONM5S 1N5

www.truepatriotlove.comCharitable Number: 81464 6493 RR0001

CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR SOLDIER EXPEDITION PARTICIPANTSAt the request of the Government of Canada, True Patriot Love assembled a Veteran Transition Advisory Council (VTAC) comprised of corporate executives, and not-for-profit and governement leaders to identify the barriers that prevent transition of veterans to meaningful employment. A report produced by the council in 2014 recommended a national mentorship program be developed to assist veterans with the transition. Organically, the expeditions have offered the environment for relationships to grow, and continue long after the team returns home.

True Patriot Love is building on these important connections by developing a structured Mentorship Program for the soldier participants of all our expeditions. The goals of the program are two-fold: to offer business leaders the tools they need to coach their soldier mentee counterparts and, to provide a ‘what’s next?’ solution to a heightened, and often life-changing, journey.

LOOKING FORWARD - THE CANADA 150 EXPEDITION SERIESIn 2017, True Patriot Love is bringing the expedition to Canada, with a three-part Expedition Series in celebration of Canada’s sesquicentennial. The Expedition Series will see participants tackle the varying landscapes across our vast country in support of our men and women in uniform. Ten soldier participants will be paired with twenty Canadian business leaders on each expedition; an intimate group of individuals to create a strong bond that will have an impact on both the soldiers and civilians alike.

The Canada 150 Expedition Series will take place between March 2017 and October 2017, with three teams taking on a different challenge in unique geographical locations. They include:

1. Gros Morne National Park: Trek off-trail through the rugged landscape of this World Heritage Site;2. Mackenzie River: Canoe North to the Beaufort Sea on the longest river in Canada;3. Johnstone Strait: Sea kayak the mainland coastline of BC with 150 orcas.

My experience in the Arctic working side by side with our vets was truly life changing. Canadian veterans taught me the difference between being involved, and being truly committed. I witnessed the true nature of teamwork, and came back committed to being a better teammate in every facet of my life – being a better father, a better husband, a more productive employee, and engaging more through service in my broader community.

Geordie Young, VP & Portfolio Manager, Gluskin Sheff & AssociatesTPL Expedition Co-chair (Antarctica)