WASURERU-NAI

 July-Aug-Sept 2009 Page 2
 

 

Memorial Wall- Now

and what we want to achieve

The good news is that most of the Wall was in place for the August 15 ceremony. The top will be finished and replaced by the end of September.

We still need to finish the landscaping which has to be completed in a timely manner – so there is still work and money needed.

Even though there was extensive research of military records to ensure we had correct information, we have been informed of some errors on the wall and will see about the corrections before the Wall is completed.

We are grateful to many people who were outstanding in making the Wall a reality and achieving the very tight dates of the event.  We have tried to keep you aware of this incredible team and for the most part they were recognized at the Convention dinner.

As previously reported we need another $150,000 to complete the project. Most of the Regions loaned us money to have the foundation done, which will be paid back as soon as funds permit.

We have sent proposals for funds to government agencies, veterans associations, corporations in Manitoba with some successes but from many, we haven’t heard back.

To our members who have been so generous to date, we ask that you look around your community to see if there is opportunity for fundraising or to solicit funds from people or companies or associations around you.  We have information that can be sent them but we need the leads and contact information.

Mike Babin, the ON Region and the Hong Kong Economic Trade Organization held a successful fundraising concert in early August with profits going to the Wall project.

One of the wonderful residuals that came from the media exposure (that was begun by the Winnipeg Free Press) was increase to our memberships as people across Canada became aware of our Association.  We need to build on this to keep the Association growing.

Dave O’Brien, Editorial writer and Bob Cox, Publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press were instrumental in triggering the media across the country.  Mia Rabson, Free Press reporter in Ottawa was also involved. Dave’s father flew with Commodore Birchell and their families were close which gave Dave an interest in the Far East theatre of war and the Battle of Hong Kong. Plaques were presented to the Winnipeg Free Press and Dave O’Brien in appreciation of their interest, support and believe in our project.

Text Box: The good news is that most of the Wall was in place for the August 15 ceremony. The top will be finished and replaced by the end of September. We still need to finish the landscaping which has to be completed in a timely manner – so there is still work and money needed. Even though there was extensive research of military records to ensure we had correct information, we have been informed of some errors on the wall and will see about the corrections before the Wall is completed. We are grateful to many people who were outstanding in making the Wall a reality and achieving the very tight dates of the event. We have tried to keep you aware of this incredible team and for the most part they were recognized at the Convention dinner. As previously reported we need another $150,000 to complete the project. Most of the Regions loaned us money to have the foundation done, which will be paid back as soon as funds permit. We have sent proposals for funds to government agencies, veterans associations, corporations in Manitoba with some successes but from many, we haven’t heard back. To our members who have been so generous to date, we ask that you look around your community to see if there is opportunity for fundraising or to solicit funds from people or companies or associations around you. We have information that can be sent them but we need the leads and contact information. Mike Babin, the ON Region and the Hong Kong Economic Trade Organization held a successful fundraising concert in early August with profits going to the Wall project. One of the wonderful residuals that came from the media exposure (that was begun by the Winnipeg Free Press) was increase to our memberships as people across Canada became aware of our Association. We need to build on this to keep the Association growing. Dave O’Brien, Editorial writer and Bob Cox, Publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press were instrumental in triggering the media across the country. Mia Rabson, Free Press reporter in Ottawa was also involved. Dave’s father flew with Commodore Birchell and their families were close which gave Dave an interest in the Far East theatre of war and the Battle of Hong Kong. Plaques were presented to the Winnipeg Free Press and Dave O’Brien in appreciation of their interest, support and believe in our project. That’s it for now - Memorial Wall Committee

That’s it for now -  Memorial Wall Committee

Carol Hadley, Chair
Phil Doddridge, Derrill Henderson, Barry Mitchell, Murray Doull, and Ron McGuire.