On Remembrance Day, the grounds of Canada’s largest Veterans care facility will be adorned with more than 30,000 flags as Operation Raise a Flag returns to pay tribute to the hundreds of Veterans currently residing at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto. This year, Sunnybrook surpassed a significant milestone with 50 of its Veteran residents being centenarians (100 years old or older).
The annual Remembrance Day campaign enables residents of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre to wake up on November 11 to a sea of Canadian flags planted outside their windows and throughout the campus of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
In addition to the Canadian flags, Operation Raise a Flag will honour the contributions made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans by including original artwork designed by Indigenous artist, Philip Cote.
“Operation Raise a Flag continues to be a special and touching tradition that means so much to our Veterans and their families,” said Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Medical Director of the Veterans Centre. “Our Veterans have shown tremendous resiliency as they dealt with the unknowns of the pandemic. Operation Raise a Flag has a tremendous impact as Canadians pay tribute to our Veterans and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Indigenous Veterans in service to Canada.”
Proceeds from Operation Raise a Flag will provide Veterans with special amenities, enabling them to achieve their best quality of life through continued learning opportunities, innovative equipment and unique programming such as art and music therapy, horticulture, arts and special cultural events. Donations will also be used to support enhancements to outdoor spaces such as the Veterans Therapeutic Garden.
Canadians across the country can support Operation Raise a Flag and the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre virtually by sending a personal note of thanks to the Veterans residing at Sunnybrook. Flags are available online at www.raiseaflag.ca with a donation or by calling the Sunnybrook Foundation at 1-866-696-2008.