On November 1, 2011, the Canadian Landmines Foundation held its annual fundraiser in Toronto at the BMO Building, entitled Celebrating Canada’s Leadership in Landmine Eradication. The event was hosted by the Honourable Ed Lumley alongside three engaging speakers. The attendees had the great pleasure of hearing the Guest of Honour, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy speak about his leadership in the creation and signing of the Ottawa Treaty in 1997. Axworthy, who was Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, helped bring together the original signatories of the Treaty together to condemn the use of landmines. Former Governor General, the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson and her husband, John Ralston Saul, famed Canadian author and essayist, were Honourary Co-Chairs. Saul represented the two at the event and spoke on the value of continuing the projects that the Canadian Landmine Foundation supports. Saul drew on his experiences in the Balkans in the 1990s and the terrible cost of landmines continued to have on its people. The entire event was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Peter Armstrong, CBC Journalist and host of World Report.
Through the generous support of its attendees and a silent auction, the Foundation raised $30,000 in a single night! We would like to thank everyone who came out and our sponsors, the Bank of Montreal and Manulife Financial, who helped make the night possible. Through events like these Canadians can continue to come together and help the countless victims around the world that fear their own land and cannot enjoy the peace we have here at home.
Below is a video of the photos of Nick Lachance, who photographed the event for us. If you would like to see an online album of the photos, simply follow this link.
