Making a Difference this Remembrance Day
Angelee Brown
CEO of The Fastest Growing Franchise Group of Companies in North America with over 500 Brands and growing. Recently published author. Mostly, I am just here trying to make a positive impact in the world of franchising.
The first time I recall understanding what Remembrance Day was and also truly appreciating it, was when I was ten years old. There was a Remembrance Day Poetry Contest held by the local Legion, and best poem won a certificate and a cash prize. As a young writer, I was (admittedly) initially enticed by 1) the opportunity to write a poem and 2) the cash prize. But what started as a process to just write a piece of work turned into a research project where I spent a great deal of time trying to truly understand what exactly it means to be a veteran.
Fast-forward to 2014, where I was working at Tim Hortons and was approached by a Vice President in the company to work on the Veteran Program for Franchising. I dove into ways we could work with the Canadian Military, and had the opportunity to speak at various military bases in Canada. That led to a passion to help other brands as well, and soon, I had the opportunity to meet Executives within the Department of National Defense, and make a lasting impression and become a Director for the CFLC (Canadian Forces Liaison Council). Quite honestly, I wish I could do more for our troops. This is what led me to this post, quite frankly.
I have heard so many inspirational stories from soldiers who have fought for our country and also been honoured to be in the presence of true heros. The sacrifices our Canadian soldiers have endured for our safety and security are truly remarkable and so profound that I tear up writing this. Our Veterans are truly remarkable human beings that we are fortunate to have had in our fold to defend and uphold the honour of our great country.
This is why I ask all of you to place things in perspective for just a moment. COVID-19 has beaten us down, but we are not to be beaten. We have felt, as Canadians, the struggles and pulls of our dollar in so many directions, but we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our brave soldiers who served.
To those brave men and women - our Veterans - I thank you.
To those wondering how you can make a difference, there are many ways you can help contribute. As you may be aware, poppy sales are down this year as a result of COVID-19, and I decided I was going to donate to my local legion this year and become a voting member, to help. Donating to your legion is easy, and takes literally less than a few moments to do. With just a few clicks of my mouse, I was able to sign up and ensure that my dollars went directly to my local community to help support our Veterans in need.
Here is a link to quickly donate today:
(And if you are wondering - yes - I won the poetry contest, and I strongly believe that exercise is what created the spark in me to want to help others who help our community first).