Support Our Troops Gala

The Northlands AgriCom in Edmonton was transformed September 26 as large military vehicles provided a backdrop to red carpets. Nearly 600 people attended the “A Night to Support Our Troops” gala hosted by Chief of the Defense Staff General Walt Natynczyk.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Jessica Holmes of Air Farce Live fame. Making great use of his unique skills and humor, auctioneer Russ Finlay led an auction that featured jewelry, unique experiences and travel packages. Canada’s own Juno Award-winning Blue Rodeo was on hand to provide musical entertainment to cap off the evening. Blue Rodeo made a $55 000 contribution to the event.

The gala opened connections with Canadians and created a broader visibility for the Military Families Fund, the Soldier On Fund, the Hospital Comforts Fund, and the five Military Family Resource Centers in Alberta. Ultimately, the Support Our Troops Gala succeeded in raising awareness of issues faced by the men and women in uniform as well as by their families.

On behalf of the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services (CFPFSS), we would like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors for their participation and generous contribution to the 2009 Support Our Troops Gala held at the Edmonton Agricom on September 26, 2009. Your generosity has strengthened Canadian Forces morale and welfare programs and in turn will alleviate some of the pressures associated with military life for our troops.