Thanks to those who are buying recognition medals to express gratitude to an essential worker or a special someone making a difference through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Canadian Mint is making an initial donation of $100,000 to Breakfast Club of Canada.
All Net Proceeds from the Sale of Recognition Medals Are Being Donated
At a time when many Canadians cannot give a hug or say ‘thanks’ in person, these medals are a tangible way for people to express their appreciation, while raising money for an organization fighting childhood hunger. The Mint is donating all net proceeds from the sale of each medal to the Breakfast Club of Canada Emergency Fund in support of children and families who are facing food insecurity now and in the months to come, due to the repercussions of COVID-19.
“I am deeply touched by the response of Canadians to this project that has been a personal labour of love for the employees of the Royal Canadian Mint,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The $100,000 donation we are making today to Breakfast Club is just a start and I look forward to increasing this donation as people continue to recognize those who they feel deserve a medal.”
The Breakfast Club of Canada
“As many Canadians, we had to adapt our services at Breakfast Club of Canada to ensure we reach as many children and families to support their growing needs to feed themselves,” said Daniel Germain, President and Founder of Breakfast Club of Canada. “In 25 years, it is the first time we can continue to feed children over the summer, which is proof of how much the mission of Breakfast Club of Canada is essential. We are deeply touched by all the support we are receiving, and we thank the Canadian Royal Mint and all their employees for this recognition of the Club’s work. Together, let’s lift the burden of food insecurity off the shoulders of children and families to replace them with hope and smiles.
The Recognition Medal retails for $9.95 and all net proceeds go Breakfast Club of Canada. It is a nickel-plated steel medal that includes a magnet, so that it can be proudly worn, on either meticulously engraved side, by its deserving recipient.
On one side is a heart and maple leaf icon representing the collective spirit of Canadians. The maple leaf and heart as one symbolize Canadians coming together in embrace to help those in need. A complex array of micro-mirrors covering the heart creates a pulsating light effect that evokes Canada’s strong heartbeat.
The second side represents the nation’s grateful spirit. The heart in the centre of the group symbolizes Canadians coming together in appreciation for its essential workers recognizing their dedication and bravery, and the micro text represents the thankful voices of a nation.
Recognition Medals from the Perspective of Essential Workers
In Ottawa alone, the Mint’s Recognition Medal has touched a number of special Canadians:
Linda – Registered Nurse, Queensway Carleton Hospital: “Our COVID-19 Testing Centre opened in March, and I really wanted to be more involved and join the fight, so volunteered to work there. It has been very fulfilling and satisfying, as I feel like I am a small piece in the huge puzzle of defeating this virus. It’s awesome that the Mint has created this Recognition Medal. Absolutely awesome. It’s really wonderful to be recognized and valued this way, and it’s really an honour. This medal will be a treasured keepsake that can be passed down to your kids.”
Rigoberto – Bus Operator, OC Transpo: “I have had many passengers extend their thanks to me for working throughout the pandemic and it means a great deal to me, as it shows the togetherness needed to get through this time. Though working through this time has had its challenges, I appreciate the Royal Canadian Mint recognizing my efforts and those of all essential workers.”
Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng – ICU and Palliative Care Physician, Ottawa Hospital and Monfort Hospital: “The fact that we are being seen for the work that we do, especially in a time during a pandemic when more is being asked of us, and that the nation is willing to recognize the work that we’re doing, is just so humbling. It’s empowering to know that the nation’s behind you just gives us more inspiration, more incentive, more juice to really step up and do what we need to do for our patients.”
Find out more about the recognition medals on the website of the Royal Canadian Mint.
For the Canadian Mint’s financial results of 2019 and Q1 2020, click here.
