While our Canadian military is stationed all around the world, working hard at keeping the peace, a small but powerful army of two has joined forces here at home, in support our troops, one at a time, where they can.
Eleanor Bookman was looking to do some volunteer work and enlisted her partner, Brian Goodfellow, and together founded Red Ribbon Forces in 2006.
They began by collecting care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan, and since then, the pair has raised over $47,000 with the creation and sale of their red ribbon merchandise.
Their membership numbers now over 6000 donors.
“We raise funds mainly for wounded and disabled troops and their families said Bookman, whose foundation has supported many military related causes, such as Friends of Vets, The Canadian Forces Hospital Comforts Fund, Camp Maple Leaf and Max Keeping’s Military Family Fund, among so many more. “It shows that one or two people like us can make a difference, and maybe others could do the same.”
Being honoured on this occasion was Sgt. Luc Piquette, who had returned home to Cornwall with his wife for the Christmas holiday.
They are expecting their first child in early February. Piquette, who has completed three tours in Afghanistan and a more recent tour in Africa, is currently stationed in Borden on a physician’s assistant course. Married for eight years, the young couple has spent over half their relationship apart.
Red Ribbon Forces attended their baby shower, to present Sgt. Piquette, a token of appreciation, before his friends and family.
“I do what I do as a personal choice,” said Piquette, who was honoured about being recognized by Red Ribbon Forces. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without the support of my family.”
“Families are very important, they go without them,” said Bookman who along with Goodfellow have big plans for their organization, having traveled form across Ontario to the east coast on their mission. “We’d love to get this going across Canada.” For further information about Red Ribbon Forces, visit www.supportcanadatroops.ca.
