Spin for a Veteran
In June 2019, the Homes for Heroes Foundation and CP held their third annual Spin for a Veteran event, which raised more than $530,000. To date, this event has raised approximately $834,000 to support the foundation’s homeless veterans’ reintegration program. The initiative provides homes, a community of peers, a support structure designed to meet individual needs and a sense of place and belonging for veterans, with the ultimate goal of ensuring their successful transition back into civilian life.
Held on Canadian Armed Forces Day, 18 teams participated in Spin for a Veteran events in Calgary and Edmonton, riding for 24 hours in a spin competition. Teams including CP employees, Lord Strathcona's Horse Regimental Society, local companies and emergency service providers rode a total combined distance of 14,290 kilometres, equivalent to travelling from Vancouver to Cape Spear, Newfoundland and back again. The CP Veterans team pushed through and won the competition, covering 925 kilometres.
"CP has a long history of supporting the military and we are proud to have our employees rally behind this important cause.… It’s an honour and a privilege to support our Canadian veterans in their time of need as they so selflessly stood on guard for this great country. This event is a means to increase support to help combat veteran homelessness in Calgary."
Scott MacDonald, CP Senior Vice President Operations (System) and Canadian veteran
The cost to build one home is $100,000. All the homes built by the Homes for Heroes Foundation will be named after a Canadian soldier who lost his or her life in Afghanistan. The community of homes in Calgary officially opened to residents in the fall of 2019. Donations can be made year-round at Spin4Vets.com.
Read more in Diversity and Inclusion.