Cochrane’s cadets are one step closer to completing their fundraising goal for the 2017 trip to Vimy Ridge, after a recent fundraising gala.
“It was an amazing event… and it was a huge success,” said Kara Hughes, Cochrane Army Cadets parent society chair.
The cadet’s gala earlier this month, that hosted several keynote speakers including Brett Wilson, and Cochrane auctioneer Stu Bradley raised more than $25,000, organizers said.
The monies raised will go towards Cadet Corps of the King's Own Calgary Regiment travel to England, France, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands in April 2017.
The cadets have been raising monies for the past two years with various fundraisers in an attempt to reach their goal of $100,000 with the last fundraiser putting them at “just over” 70 per cent of their target.
One specific stop the expedition will be making is at Vimy Ridge in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place from April 9 to 12, 1917, during the First World War when the Canadian Corps overtook the German Sixth Army. The battle was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together and thus became a nationalistic symbol of achievement and sacrifice.
With just under 30 per cent of fundraising left to go, the cadets are brainstorming their next big fundraiser while still hosting raffles and draws in the meantime.
The King’s Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) mission statement is to have a program designed to allow the youth of our communities to be taught the basic skills of any strong member of a community.
“The leadership skills learned in all areas of training provide cadets with excellent skills for their future careers outside of the military. Cadets develop self-confidence and a sense of pride for their country,” – the website states.
The group meets every Tuesday at the Bow Valley Baptist Church, inviting boys and girls aged 12 and over to register.
For more information about the Cochrane Army Cadets, visit www.kocr.ca
