Raise A Flag for Canada's Heroes

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 5, 2012) - Last year, in the early morning hours of November 11^th, 5,000 Canadian flags were planted directly on the lawn in front of the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre, as a tribute to Canada's veterans. Now in its second year, Operation Raise a Flag, has officially launched and the public is once again invited to take part in this unique campaign to honour our country's war heroes.

Through this initiative, the public can purchase a small Canadian flag online and write a personal heartfelt message of thanks that will be attached to the base of the flag before it is planted. On Remembrance Day when Sunnybrook veterans awake, they will be both grateful and delighted when they view the incredible sea of red and white flags, knowing that Canadians truly appreciate their courage and sacrifices.

"The average age of our Second World War and Korean War veterans is 90 and this campaign is another wonderful way to remember the men and women who served our country in the name of freedom," said Dr. Barry McLellan, President and CEO of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "We're looking forward to this year's Raise a Flag event being even bigger and more powerful."

Flags are available in two sizes for a $20 or $50 donation online at www.raiseaflag.ca or by calling the Sunnybrook Foundation at 416-480-4483.

Proceeds from the campaign will benefit the Veterans Comfort Fund and the Sunnybrook Veterans Grant a Wish initiative. Veterans will benefit from community outings, continued learning opportunities, and the chance to fulfill their wishes, resulting in a higher quality of life for the 500 Veterans who call Sunnybrook, Canada's largest veterans care facility, their home.

About Sunnybrook Veterans Centre

Working in close partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre is the largest Veterans care facility in Canada and a recognized leader in the care of Veterans who are no longer able to live at home independently. No other facility provides such a high level of specialized, compassionate, resident-centred care through a dedicated interprofessional team.