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The Vimy Foundation is Proud to Announce the Three Winners of This Year’s Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Leadership Grants

Date published:

May 21, 2024

The Vimy Foundation is Proud to Announce the Three Winners of This Year’s Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Leadership Grants

May - 2024

The Vimy Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Vimy Inspires Tomorrow Grant, awarded to youth-led projects aimed at community improvement and commemoration.

The Vimy Inspires Tomorrow program empowers young people aged 13 to 17 to develop leadership skills through six modules inspired by First World War history. Participants engage in discussion-based activities that encourage the application of historical lessons to contemporary leadership challenges. These educational activities are offered free of charge, both virtually and in person. Subsequently, individuals or groups are invited to submit community project proposals, with the most compelling initiatives eligible for additional leadership and project management training. Three projects are chosen annually to receive a $2,500 grant each, supporting the realization of their community initiatives.

The Vimy Foundation extends its gratitude to Veterans Affairs Canada for their continued support, enabling these initiatives to make a positive impact in communities across Canada.

Jacob Taylor, from Metcalfe, Ontario, has been selected as one of the grant recipients for his project aimed at updating the Metcalfe Cenotaph. Jacob's initiative involves preserving the history of local veterans by creating a website to share their stories year-round. With the grant, Jacob plans to clean the cenotaph's stonework and install a bench to enhance the space.

Jacob Taylor

Maria and Anna MacDonald of Halifax, Nova Scotia, have also been awarded a grant for their project, "Write Your Mind," a journaling workshop designed to address youth mental health challenges. The MacDonalds' initiative involves creating beginner's journals, with a portion of proceeds donated to Kids Help Phone, aiming to provide an outlet for youth expression and support.

Maria and Anna MacDonald

Finally, Obii Udemgba, Elaine King, Benjamin Dalzell, and Marlaa Miller of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, representing the Walter Murray Collegiate Aviation Club, have received a grant for their project, "Heritage in Harmony." This initiative focuses on producing and distributing "Aviation Student Kits" to support students pursuing aviation interests, aiming to cultivate the next generation of aviators.

Left to right: Benjamin Dalzell, Elaine King, and Obii Udemgba (Marlaa Miller not pictured)


For further inquiries or interviews with the students, please contact:

Kevin McGaw, Communications Coordinator, kmcgaw@vimyfoundation.ca

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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

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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
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Gentleman Rogue Silk Scarf – Rogue Defender Series

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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

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