Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to reflect on the extraordinary courage and quiet strength of those who have served our country. Remembrance Day is a moment to honour their sacrifices and acknowledge the generations who have defended freedom, both at home and abroad. Yet remembrance is more than a single day; it’s an ongoing act of gratitude, lived through the stories we tell and the lives we continue to uplift.
More than a century ago, the red poppies of Flanders became a symbol of remembrance thanks to Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s timeless poem, In Flanders Fields. Amid the devastation of the First World War, McCrae gave voice to both sorrow and hope—a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring responsibility of peace.
Today, that legacy endures through the work of nonprofits dedicated to honouring veterans, preserving their stories, and supporting their ongoing journeys of healing, purpose, and recognition.
Healing Through Nature & Connection
For many veterans, healing begins with reconnection—to nature, to community, and to themselves. GirlGoneGood was founded by retired Master Corporal Victoria Lanthier as an initiative promoting mental wellness and responsible recreation. The organization encourages Canadians to find balance and healing in the outdoors while championing inclusivity and accessibility on trails across the country.
Through the sale of ethically made merchandise, GirlGoneGood donates 100 percent of proceeds to Boots on the Ground, which provides peer support for first responders, and the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust, protecting vital habitats in Ontario. The program also supports Tree Canada’s Grow Clean Air initiative and the #goodhumanrevolution campaign, helping make outdoor spaces more inclusive and welcoming for all.
By blending wellness, environmental stewardship, and social good, GirlGoneGood exemplifies how service continues long after the uniform comes off.
Restoring Strength & Purpose
The Travis Mills Foundation helps veterans rediscover confidence and independence after injury. Founded by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, a quadruple amputee who turned personal tragedy into purpose, the foundation offers free, all-inclusive, adaptive retreats for veterans and their families in Maine.
These programs allow participants to experience activities like swimming, hiking, and cycling in a supportive, barrier-free environment. Beyond recreation, the retreats nurture healing, foster resilience, and rebuild bonds with loved ones. Mills’ partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation extends this impact, supporting smart-home construction, mental health programs, and community initiatives for veterans across North America.
Together, both organizations remind us that strength is not defined by what is lost, but by what we choose to build again.
Crafting Change Through Sustainable Empowerment
In transforming discarded materials into opportunity, Darn Good Yarn proves that even small acts of creativity can have a global impact. Founded by U.S. Air Force veteran Nicole Snow, the company employs more than 600 artisans in India and Nepal, providing fair wages, sustainable employment, and independence for women facing poverty and discrimination.
By turning recycled sari fabric into vibrant yarn and apparel, Darn Good Yarn has prevented over two million pounds of waste from entering landfills. Every purchase supports families, funds education for children, and creates a network of empowerment rooted in dignity and craft.
It’s a reminder that service can take many forms—and that purpose often begins with compassion.
Preserving History & Honouring Inclusion
Remembrance also means ensuring that every story of service, no matter how long overlooked, is finally told. The Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association is dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1,975 Canadians who fought in the 1941 Battle of Hong Kong. Through detailed archival research, educational outreach, and their Indigenous Veterans Project, the association is uncovering the stories of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit soldiers who served with bravery and honour.
Their work ensures that these histories are not lost to time but instead woven into Canada’s collective memory, strengthening national understanding and inspiring pride in future generations.
That same spirit of recognition continues through efforts like Veterans Affairs Canada’s recent tribute to 2SLGBTQI+ veterans of the First World War.
By acknowledging stories like that of Frederick Hardy, a Manitoba-born soldier once punished for his identity and now commemorated on the Vimy Memorial, Canada reaffirms its commitment to truth, equity, and inclusion in remembrance.
Extending Compassion Across Borders
The act of remembrance transcends nations. Earlier this year, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made a quiet visit to Ukraine’s Superhumans Center, which provides free prosthetics, surgery, and rehabilitation for civilians and veterans affected by war.
Through his Invictus Games Foundation, Harry continues to promote recovery and respect for wounded service members worldwide—using the power of sport to rebuild confidence, connection, and purpose. His ongoing advocacy reminds us that supporting veterans means standing with all who strive for recovery, wherever they are in the world.
A Living Legacy of Service
From the poppy fields of Flanders to the quiet trails of Canada and the rehabilitation centres abroad, the essence of remembrance endures through compassion and community. It lives in the nonprofits that carry the mission forward—healing minds, preserving memories, empowering families, and redefining what it means to serve.
This Remembrance Day, may we pause not only to remember the fallen, but to support the living—to uplift the organizations that honour their legacy every day through action, advocacy, and care.
We honour them for their sacrifice.
We thank them for their service.
And we remember them, always.
