FGH Foundation
Dear Friend of the Garrys
Over the last few years, The Fort Garry Horse family has met numerous significant challenges. As expected, members of the Regimental family have risen to the occasion and lived up to the motto of “Facta Non Verba.” However, we can no longer ask the same few individuals to consistently assist the Regimental family.
During the Land Force Reserve Restructure process, The Fort Garry Horse has been assessed as the best unit within 38 Canadian Brigade Group. In order to maintain this success and ensure the future survival of the Regiment and it’s family, a new foundation has been established based on a re-orientation of The Fort Garry Horse Benevolent Fund. This will be able to ensure the long term viability of all constituent parts of the Regimental family, i.e., the Regiment itself, the Senate, the Association and the Museum. The purpose of this fund is to:
- Perpetuate the memory of the Regiment and its members past;
- Provide and maintain a Regimental Museum;
- Promote the interest in and ensure the efficiency, welfare and well-being of the Regiment;
- Assure the future of the Regiment.
Currently, the annual costs to meet these activities ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 per year. It has only been through the gracious donations of a few individuals that these costs have been met over the last few years. With rising costs each year and a need to ensure continued success, it has become necessary for long term planning which lead to the formation of the foundation.
The foundation will be overseen by a committee consisting of the Honorary Colonel, the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, the Commanding Officer, the Second-In-Command, and the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Regiment, the President of the Regimental Association plus one other member of the Association, four members of the Senate and one to four persons who have no connection to the Regiment. Their mission will be to ensure the foundation meets its purpose as stated above. In no way will the Fund be affected by the non-public fund regulations of the Canadian Forces and the Government of Canada.
To become a contributor to the foundation, there are the following categories:
- Individuals contributing $25.00 per year – Patron;
- Individuals contributing $250.00 aggregate over five years – Life Patron;
- Corporations contributing $1,000.00 aggregate over two years – Corporate Benefactor;
- Individuals contributing $500.00 aggregate – Leader;
- Individuals contributing $1,000.00 aggregate – Benefactor; and
- Individuals or Corporations contributing $5,000.00 aggregate – Major Benefactor/Major Corporate Benefactor
Contributors to the foundation are entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting of the foundation. The rights for this vary with each type of contribution, which are outlined in The Fort Garry Horse Foundation Constitution. A copy of this constitution will be provided to anyone who requests it.
The goal of this fundraising campaign on behalf of the foundation is to establish enough capital, which when invested wisely, will provide the income necessary to sustain the activities of the foundation. The initial objective is to raise $200,000 in order to accomplish this fundraising goal. All contributions to the Fund are welcome and greatly appreciated and a tax deductible, charitable receipt will be provided to anyone making a contribution in excess of ten dollars.
As you can see by the signatures below, this fundraising request is a coordinated effort among all parts of the Garry family. As all parts of the Garry family will benefit from the foundation and participate in it, you can be assured that your donations will be well cared for. Enclosed, for your convenience, please find a pledge card. If you do not wish to make a donation, but would still like to comment on the foundation, there is a comment section and your comments are always welcome. Also, if you have any questions regarding the The Fort Garry Horse Foundation, please contact the Regimental Orderly Room at (204) 833-2705 and leave a message. Someone will respond as quickly as possible.
Once again, thank you for your time and your continued support of The Fort Garry Horse Regimental Family and ensuring it’s future. We know we can count on you in this time of need and urge you fill out the enclosed pledge card and return it to The Fort Garry Horse Regimental Headquarters today!
Facta Non Verba
C. Solar, CD
Honorary Colonel
The Fort Garry Horse
email: FGH Foundation
Phone: 204-633-2445
The Fort Garry Horse Family
Regiment:
The Fort Garry Horse was formed on April 15th 1912 as the 34th Regiment of Cavalry. The Garrys have served with distinction in the First World War as a cavalry unit, and in the Second World War as a tank regiment. From 1958-1970 a Regular Army regiment was formed and served in Canada and Germany as well as UN missions in Egypt and Cyprus.
Today,The Fort Garry Horse is an Armoured Reconnaissance unit in the Canadian Army Reserve based at McGregor Armoury in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Senate:
The Fort Garry Horse Regimental Senate currently has the following functions: To assist and advise the Commanding Officer in matters related to the Regiment and to the Reserves, and to promote the interests of the Regiment as requested by the CO.
It has a written constitution and general meetings are held twice annually in the spring and the fall. There are 58 members in total, with almost all provinces of Canada represented, two members in the United States and two members in the United Kingdom. The membership consists of former Reserve officers, former Regular Force officers, President of the Regimental Association, Representatives of the Allied Regiment and other Friends of the Garrys.
Foundation:
The Fort Garry Horse benevolent Fund has been renamed to, “The Fort Garry Horse Foundation” to update its mission and more clearly reflect its scope and responsibilities. The foundation is described in the first page of this letter.
Association:
The Fort Garry Horse Regimental Association is a membership organization open to all FGH members. Veteran of WW1 formed the FGH Association in 1937. The membership is currently at 250 former and serving Garrys. Annual membership dues of $20.00 and donations fund the newsletter sent out twice a year. All Garrys are encouraged to join.
Museum:
The Fort Garry Horse Museum and Archives purpose is: To preserve the history of the Regiment and Cavalry in Manitoba through the collection of documents, pictures, books, military artifacts, etc., pertaining to the Regiment, Cavalry and the Armoured Corps. To provide a training facility for the teaching of Regimental History and to stimulate and foster within the general public, and ongoing interest in the Regiment, its activities and accomplishments.
The Museum is administered and managed by a Museum Committee appointed by the Commanding Officer and is comprised of members of the Regiment, the Regimental Senate and Regimental Association.
Cadets:
1226 Fort Garry Horse Cadet Corps is affiliated with the Regiment. The Corps was formed on June 18, 1925 and is currently made up of 4 Officers and 37 youths from 12-18 years. DND provides basic funding. General Sir Sam Steele Legion is the Corps Sponsor and provides additional financial support. The Regimental and other fund raising activities help to sponsor the activities of the Cadet Corps not paid for by DND.
Ghost Squadron:
The Fort Garry Horse Ghost Squadron was established some years ago by the initiative of a number of vintage military vehicle enthusiasts with “Garry” ties. The squadron’s fleet are all runners and include a M4 Sherman tank and 13 other wheeled vehicles ranging in size from “Deuces” to Jeeps.
The group had their first major parade when they formed the nucleus of the 50th Anniversary of D-Day parade in 1994. They are a non-profit volunteer group who appreciates financial support to offset the cost of maintenance and fuel. Just think of filling up the fuel tanks of the Sherman tank.
