Mr. Speaker, a group of local Barrie business and community leaders launched Operation Hero last year. Operation Hero is a scholarship campaign to help fund students of military families to attend Georgian College.
Fundraising commenced in April 2010, with a goal of reaching $1 million. Those who have already generously donated $1,000 or more have been receiving framed commemorative flags that are now scattered across the riding in homes, schools, offices and businesses.
On October 23, CFB Borden held a 5k, 10k and half marathon in support of this great cause. I was very proud to participate with 1,000 other runners. I am happy to report that donations to Operation Hero have now surpassed an astonishing $700,000.
Operation Hero's scholarships are helping so many young people better realize their full potential through post-secondary education.
I would like to send special thanks to the key organizers: honorary colonel for CFB Borden, Jamie Massie; base commander Colonel Louis Meloche; and Georgian College president Brian Tamblyn.
For more information, I ask everyone to visit operationhero.ca.