A special fundraiser has been launched to honour the history of the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment.
The Regiment is marking over 200 years of service and hopes to raise $600,000.
Officials say the campaign will support initiatives that fall outside of the core government funding that covers operations and training. This includes attending commemorative ceremonies overseas, erecting and maintaining monuments here and abroad, outfitting the popular Pipes and Drums, and digitizing military archives for online public access.
Lieutenant-Colonel (Retired) Michael Robinson said it is essential to ensure that the service and sacrifice of those who have contributed to The Essex and Kent Scottish be remembered for generations to come.
“This is a one-time ask, and we are looking to those who live in our community to help ensure these initiatives will always continue,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson. “Our goal is to get to a level that is sustainable, so we can plan further ahead and do things that are focused on our tradition, history, ceremony and community outreach, as well as monuments.”
Local troops, first assembled in 1793, were engaged in key battles in the War of 1812 and both World Wars – including the ill-fated Dieppe Raid. Since then, the Regiment has remained active in conflicts and peacekeeping and peace-enforcing missions around the world, playing a vital role in advancing Canada’s foreign-policy initiatives.
Most recently, the Regiment has been involved in domestic operations, supporting relief efforts following sever weather and public health crises.
“The Essex and Kent Scottish begins our fundraising campaign with our hearts focused on the enormous contributions of the men and women who have so selflessly contributed to the freedoms and opportunities that are part of our lives today,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Robinson, who also chairs The Scottish Borderers Foundation, the official fundraising organization which supports the Regiment.
Details about The Essex and Kent Scottish campaign can be found at www.servicesacrificeduty.ca
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