News

The Vimy Foundation expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of Madame Helen Vari

Date published:

March 17, 2023

In memoriam

The Vimy Foundation expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of Madame Helen Vari, C.M., Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur, President of the George and Helen Vari Foundation, and honourary Co-Chair of The Vimy Foundation.

For decades, Helen Vari had been dedicated to serving her community. Through her remarkable philanthropic commitment and vision, she has been an unparalleled supporter of The Vimy Foundation, helping us to make possible the Vimy Visitor Education Centre and the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, both at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

At the opening of the Vari Gate at the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park in April 2022, Madame Vari noted :

“When you step for the first time on Vimy soil, you are filled with emotion. You see all the beauty and sadness that permeate this place. And you know you are among friends. People who today reside in the area still remember what happened at Vimy and are thankful of what Canadians achieved there. You can imagine how proud we are to contribute to this very important historical cause.”

We will always remember Madame Vari’s grace, warmth, strength, and commitment to Canada. Helen, you will be sorely missed.

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This handcrafted pin dish, created exclusively for the Vimy Foundation, features the image of a poppy—an enduring symbol of remembrance. Designed and hand-thrown by acclaimed Canadian sculptor Christian Corbet, each ceramic piece is a limited edition. Ideal for holding pins, jewelry, or small keepsakes, the dish is both functional and commemorative. A meaningful addition to any collection, it pays tribute to the legacy of those who served. Hand-thrown ceramic Features original poppy design by Christian Corbet Approximately 8.5 cm wide Made in Canada Limited edition

Limited Edition Poppy Pin Dish by Christian Corbet

$ 60.00 

$ 60.00 

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⚠️ Please note: This item is not sold or shipped by the Vimy Foundation and is only available through the Gentleman Rogue website. 👉 Please visit their site to purchase directly from Gentleman Rogue. https://gentlemanrogue.ca/collections/rogue-defender-1/Pocket-Squares This elegant silk scarf from Gentleman Rogue’s Rogue Defender Series pays tribute to the courage and legacy of those who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Designed with the colours of the four Canadian divisions that served together for the first time during the 1917 offensive, the scarf blends historical symbolism with timeless style. 100% Silk
Part of the Rogue Defender Series
20% of proceeds from this item are donated directly to the Vimy Foundation

Gentleman Rogue Silk Scarf – Rogue Defender Series

$ 0.00 

$ 0.00 

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Dogs have been used in war for centuries worldwide. Their duties have ranged from pulling carts, sentries, scouts, messengers, as mascots, rat catchers in the trenches, search and rescue, bomb detectors and first aid dogs. Countless stories of incredible heroic acts performed by these animals have been told throughout the First World War and beyond. Dogs continue to be put to work in military service to this day as their role expands to include service animals for veterans. The Vimy Foundation partnered with Dog Hair INCluded (Montreal) to design these quality and durable bandanas featuring our Vimy Plaid. Honor those four-legged friends who also helped shape our history with this rugged and stylish pet bandana.

Vimy Foundation Pet Bandana

$ 22.00 

$ 22.00