On April 23, 2024, Homes For Heroes Foundation gratefully acknowledged a generous $1.5 million donation from BMO, a steadfast advocate for the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans. The announcement took place at The Royal Canadian Military Institute, attended by representatives from both organizations.
“We are thrilled to begin a partnership with BMO in support of our charity’s mission to end the issue of Veteran homelessness. BMO is a global company with a proven commitment to our military community and today’s announcement will go a long way in helping us achieve our mission,” noted Brad Field, President and CEO of Homes For Heroes Foundation.
“As the Official Bank of the Canadian Defence Community, BMO is proud to partner with the Homes for Heroes Foundation and help accelerate the Foundation’sNational Veterans’ Village Program,” said Gayle Ramsay, Head, Everyday Banking, Segment & Customer Growth, BMO. “This partnership is inspired by our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, and supports our commitment to a more inclusive society by expanding the social services and housing that help veterans successfully transition back to civilian life.”
“Veterans Affairs Canada has proudly supported the Homes For Heroes Foundation through the Veterans and Family Well-Being Fund, with over $1.7 million in support since 2019. This support helps Homes For Heroes’ Veterans’ Villages to deliver tailored and personalized services to Veterans, all while providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home,” said the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. “Working with our partners is one of the ways we can ensure the physical, mental, and economic well-being of Veterans and their families. BMO’s commitment today shows that, through strong partnerships and collaboration, we can make a significant difference for Veterans and their families across the country.”
Homes For Heroes Foundation has Veteran villages in Calgary, Edmonton, and Kingston. Their fourth Veterans’ village is scheduled to be built in Winnipeg in the community of Transcona. “Our typical Veterans’ village has 20 tiny homes, a resource center, social worker offices, recreation space and community gardens. I believe the key to our success is providing the necessary social support services required for our unhoused Veterans to move on from the village towards employment and more permanent housing,” noted Mr. Field.
The enduring bond between BMO and the brave men and women who have defended Canada, spanning times of peace and conflict, is steeped in history. During the Second World War, BMO established temporary branches to ensure troops received their pay across Canada and overseas. Notably, Canadian military personnel were administered through its Waterloo Place office in London, England. Furthermore, George Spinney, the Bank’s president, took a hiatus to lead the National War Finance Committee, overseeing the sale of Victory Loan bonds.
In a poignant reflection of the past, nearly 1,500 of the bank’s employees served in the Canadian Forces during the Great War, with 84 making the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the Second World War.
Each residence within a H4HF Village bears the name of a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran who gave their life in service to Canada. Among the 20 tiny homes in the Kingston Village, one stands as a tribute to Corporal George Taylor, a native of Kingston. Taylor, who was employed by BMO at the time, enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Force in October 1914. He was one of 1,414 BMO employees who volunteered for service during the First World War, tragically becoming one of 230 BMO employees who lost their lives in the conflict. H4HF proudly honors his memory by dedicating a home in his name.
