Donations from Ontario and the UK assist Cadets in Vimy Fundraiser

Richard Hughes of the United Kingdom presented 3061 (1 CER) Morinville Army Cadet Corp Commanding Officer Capt. Doug Marietta with $2000 and boxes of equipment and clothing for the cadets for their trip to Vimy. – Lucie Roy Photos

by Lucie Roy

3061 (1 CER) Morinville Army Cadets are a little closer to heading to Vimy next year for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Richard Hughes flew in from Southampton, Hampshire United Kingdom and made a cash donation of $2000 in Canadian funds and brought equipment and supplies from the UK to the 3061 (1 CER) Morinville Army Cadets. The presentation, which included rucksacks, ponchos, can openers, field message pads, sporks and other items, was made May 24 at the cadet practice meeting held at the curling rink.

Hughes is a former cadet member himself, served in the military and also served as a Cadet Instructor.

“It is a bit of a long story,” Hughes told cadets of the reason for the donation. “I was in your position [at] one point in my life. And I did not have all of this.”

Hughes said they were looking at a few interesting things to do here in Canada and also back at the United Kingdom to raise monies for the trip.

“We will try and keep you abridged on the Facebook page as to what we are trying to do to raise monies for you,” Hughes told the cadets, staff, and parents.

Morinville Cadet Haydn Lawrence was unable to attend the practice but his father John Lawrence was in attendance for the fundraiser meeting, and Hughes is John’s his brother-in-law.

Morinville Cadet Member, Lance Corporal Michaylla Brissette received help from her grandmother, Brenda Hagerty of Ontario for fundraising.

Hagerty and two other ladies from Ontario; Heather Northrup who designed a maple leaf and Dianne Pinkerton who did the adjustments to the maple leaf to make it fit a double-sized blanket. The blanket and cushion along with numerous other items will be part of the Maple Leaf raffle that runs June 11 until July 5. The draw is July 8.

web-DSCN0745Ongoing Fundraising

Parent Fundraising Association Chairperson Doris Ralph and Debra Allard, Sec. /Treasurer have a list of events in the upcoming months to raise funds for the cadet’s trip to Vimy.

Allard said they have a Bottle and can drive scheduled for May 28 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Donations can also be made at the Morinville Bottle Depot for the Army Cadet Corps 3061.

There will also be a garage sale at 9707-103 Ave from 9 to 4 on May 28 with all monies put towards the cadet trip, raffle tickets for a Father’s Day basket will also be available, and drawn at the Annual Ceremonial Review in June.

Allard said they also have a Paint Night scheduled for Sunday 12 June at the United Church from 6-9 pm with tickets at $40. During the Festival on June 25, the cadets will be going around town selling raffle tickets and at the parade for the Canada Day basket.

Currently, there are enough funds to send 11 cadets and three officers to Vimy.

The current strength in the Morinville Cadet Corp is 22. Lt. Kelly Brissette said it costs $4085 per adult and $3696 per cadet to go on the trip. They currently have $16,000 in funds, including the $2.000 presented on Tuesday night.

Debra Allard may be contacted at 780-717-2236 or email debraallard6@gmail.com for further information on assisting.

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The cadets, instructors and staff with Richard Hughes in a thank you photo from the group.

Above right: Parent Fundraising Association Chairperson Doris Ralph and Sec./Treas. Debra Allard is holding the Vimy Ridge Fundraising Goals chart. The chart was updated after the meeting to include the $2,000 donation from Richard Hughes.

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