A charitable organization founded by AGF Management Ltd.’s chairman and CEO, Blake Goldring, paid tribute to fallen Canadian Forces personnel on Friday, by presenting seven surviving offspring with scholarships of up to $16,000 each.

Goldring founded Canada Company in 2006 as a not-for-profit, apolitical organization that works to build an enduring bridge between those who serve in Canada’s Armed Forces and the business community. It focuses on ensuring Canadians who serve in the Canadian Forces and Reserves, and their families, receive the widest possible support, recognition and care.

The organization has awarded scholarships to seven children of Canadian military personnel who have died while on duty serving their country. The scholarships provide up to $4,000 per year for the next four years to each recipient, to help defray the costs of their post secondary education.

Goldring presented the scholarship awards with Gerry McCaughey, president and CEO of CIBC, at the Toronto Stock Exchange on Friday.

“This initiative is about Canadians showing support to our military and their families and helping to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of,” said Goldring. “Canada Company provides the means for business and individuals alike to show that we care and to support the men and women who put their lives on the line. The scholarships we are presenting today are just one example of our ongoing commitment.”

Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff of the Canadian Forces, expressed gratitude for the support from Canada Company.

“We are deeply saddened that so many children have lost a parent on active duty since January 2002,” he said. “In this tragedy there can be hope. Today these children should know that they are part of a bigger family of caring Canadian individuals and corporations that are looking out for our incredible soldiers, sailors, airmen and airwomen and their families.”

The scholarship award recipients range in age from 18 to 24, and are from various parts of the country.

Funding for the Canada Company scholarships was provided by a variety of individuals and corporations, including TD Bank Financial Group, BMO Financial Group, Scotiabank, Standard Life, AGF Management, and CIBC, which contributed $1 million.

IE