When Gunners give, the community wins

February 25, 2020 - Defence Stories

Caption

Lieutenant-Colonel Katherine Haire and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Normand present Ms. Anne Foster of the United Way with a ceremonial cheque on behalf of Headquarters Battery’s 2019 NDWCC efforts.

Photo Credit: Corporal Geneviève Lapointe, CD, Tactics School ALSC

Author: Major Nicholas Kaempffer

'Even one homeless veteran is too many.' This line from a joint Deputy Minister and Chief of Defence Staff message inspired Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Stephane Gauvreau. The Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) of Headquarters Battery within The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery School (RCAS) set his sights on an ambitious sub-Unit goal - $10,000 for the National Defence Workplace Charitable Campaign (NDWCC).

MWO Gauvreau was highly aware that the individual generosity of soldiers is a true force of nature. After briefing his chain of command with this aggressive NDWCC goal in mind, the Battery Captain of Headquarters Battery, Captain (Capt) Joshua Bouthot volunteered to conduct a personal campaign of 100% individual engagement with every permanent member of the sub-Unit.

Within one week, members of the RCAS were astonished to learn that Capt Bouthot had raised a highly impressive total of $12,023! Not only did this figure almost triple the overall unit donation from last year, it represented almost 10% of the Base Commander’s overall goal.

“It is truly humbling to see what the Kings of Battle will do to help those in need within the community,” said Capt Bouthot. “One of the great aspects of the NDWCC is that the individual soldier is in the driver’s seat for where their donation is specially applied. From children’s hospitals, the United Way, to homeless shelters, Gunners were able to specify the final destination of their donation, with the money coming directly off their pay in allotments, if they so choose. I am very proud of all members of Headquarters Battery, as this is a record result for our sub-Unit, which relied upon each and every soldier to meet our BSM’s goal."

The overall result of Headquarters Battery’s highly successful efforts to beat their previous NDWCC contribution speaks to the individual generosity of Gunners at all rank levels, and to the commitment of soldiers to give to those in need.

Lieutenant-Colonel Katherine Haire and Chief Warrant Officer Eric Normand, the Commandant and Regimental Sergeant Major of the RCAS, extended their appreciation to all those who gave generously, as it is clear that when Gunners give, the community wins.

Page details

Date modified: