Honour House Society

Push-ups and Sit-ups for Kandahar

megan — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:05:10 +0000

The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Cadets 2893 in Port Coquitlam give back to their community

Just what does 11,000 push-ups and sit-ups get you? Beyond increasing your fitness level, the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Cadets 2893 in the Tri-Cities did just that while raising $450 for Honour House. How did they do it?

The challenge was to complete 11,000 push-ups or sit-ups in 100 days, because the distance from Vancouver to Kandahar, Afghanistan is approximately 11,000 KM. The cadets eagerly took on this challenge and were proud to present a cheque worth $450 to Honour House.

“I applaud the cadets for taking on this challenge and we’re so grateful for their donation,” said John Appleby, Treasurer of Honour House Society. “Maybe we could put a challenge out to all cadets to do the same? This donation demonstrates that every bit helps, and together we can help even more families.”

Canadian troops have served in Afghanistan since 2002. More than 35,000 men and women have completed at least one tour of duty. More than 250 Canadians have been killed in this conflict while over 4,500 have been injured.

The 2893 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Cadets has been serving the Tri-Cities for more than 40 years. They provide youth aged 12 – 18 with a place to meet friends, have fun, learn new skills and give back to their community. 2893 Cadets are based in Port Coquitlam, BC.

Captain Greg Chan, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Cadets 2893 presents a cheque for $450 to John Appleby, Honour House.

Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of Reserves visit Honour House

John Appleby — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:59:12 +0000

Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of Reserves visit Honour House

On 27th October 2011 we hosted Vice Admiral Bruce Donaldson and Rear Admiral Jennifer Bennett on a tour of the house. Vice Adm. Donaldson was particularly impressed by the extent of community support that had made the project a reality. Rear Adm. Bennett, a former Commanding Officer of HMCS Malahat in Victoria had the opportunity of renewing acquaintances with one of our guests, a former member of her ship’s company.

The Admirals are pictured here with their staff members, as well Honour House President Al Degenova, Treasurer John Appleby, House Manager Al Fetherstonhaugh and directors; New Westminster Fire Chief, Tim Armstrong, Garth Dinsmore and Lee Reynolds

TWU Donates $10,000 to Honour House

Honour House — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 22:44:20 +0000

On January 13th, the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) donated $10,000 to Honour House. John Robinson, representing more than 500 members of TWU Local 60 (Shaw Cablesystems), presented the cheque to Don Vandervoort, Vancouver Regional Construction Association Coordinator of the Honour House Project, with John Appleby, Treasurer of Honour House Society, looking on. Also pictured are TWU Local 60 members (l-r) Steve Foreman and Larry Pliner. The presentation took place at Honour House, 509 St. George St., New Westminster.

John Robinson presenting the cheque to Don Vandervoort with John Appleby - Photo credit: Cliff Lemire

The Legion Foundation Luncheon

Honour House — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 17:20:10 +0000

On Friday, December 10th, at the Legion Foundation luncheon, the BC/Yukon Command Royal Canadian Legion, generously presented Honour House Society with a cheque for $17,666.95. The cheque was gratefully received by Honour House Vice President Jim Stanton and Director Joel Camley. The Royal Canadian Legion has been a partner with Honour House since our inception and continues to lead the way in their donations. All of the Honour House Society Board and members gratefully express their thanks for this ongoing support.

Honour House Annual General Meeting

Honour House — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:24:45 +0000

The Annual General Meeting of Honour House Society was held at New Chelsea
Gardens on December 1st, 2010.

Two founding Directors took their leave and Howard Blank was elected by
acclamation to the Board of Directors. President Alan DeGenova told the AGM
that Mr. Blank, who operates Vancouver’s River Rock Casino Resort, is an
energetic businessman who will lead a renewed fund raising effort to
complete and furnish the Honour House interior early in 2011.

Members attending the AGM were informed that Cam Cathcart has decided to
step down from the Board. Cam left Honour House after more than four years
of volunteer service, remaining on the Board until Honour House opened on
November 10, 2010. He told the AGM he was “delighted and honoured” to be
part of the official opening and that it was now “time to make way for
someone with new ideas and new energy” on the Board.

Cam has agreed to serve on the Honour House Advisory Panel and will continue
his outreach activities including Honour House presentations to various
organizations, and liaising with the Royal Canadian Legion, the Veterans
Transition Program and New Chelsea Society.

President DeGenova informed the meeting of the earlier resignation of Brian
Archer, another founding Director, following his appointment as Executive
Director of the Legion Foundation. Like Cam, Brian will stay on as a member
of the Advisory Panel. Both Directors were thanked for their contributions
in making Honour House become a reality

Re-elected to the Honour House Society Board of Directors were Alan
DeGenova, President; Jim Stanton, Vice-president and Secretary; John
Appleby, Treasurer, and Michael Flanigan, Larry Kerr and Joel Camley as
Directors.

Tribute to Honourary Patron Trevor Greene

Honour House — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:14:35 +0000

CTV carried a two-part series about our Honourary Patron Trevor Greene and his wife Debbie Lepore. It is a moving tribute to the power of the human spirit and a committed, loving relationship.

Chilliwack Fraser Rotary Club

Honour House — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 18:58:54 +0000

Directors Cam Cathcart and Jim Stanton made their presentation to the Chilliwack Fraser Rotary Club on Wednesday, November 24th at noon about the origins and current status of Honour House and our plans for the future.

Cam and Jim at beginning of presentation

The presentation was very well received and 13 new members were enrolled.

Chilliwack Rotarian Gerry Enns and Honour House Director Cam Cathcart

Honour House Opens

Honour House — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:49:03 +0000

In front of a large crowd of first responders, troops and supporters, Capt Trevor Greene officially dedicated our 10-room, fully accessible home on Wednesday November 10th, at 509 St. George Street, New Westminster, BC. This capped four years of effort by the Honour House Board, the construction industry and hundreds of volunteers.

Honourary Patron Trevor Green and his wife Debbie Lepore with VIP Guests

Director Cam Cathcart MC’d the day. VIP guests included Col Bryan Gagne, Commander 39 Brigade Group, New Westminster Police Chief Lorne Zapotichsky, New Westminster Fire Chief Tim Armstrong and Vancouver Construction Association Director Don Vandervoot.

Afghanistan and Peacekeeping veterans were in attendance.

Fanfare trumpeters from Vancouver Fire & Rescue, Royal Westminster Regiment and 15 Field Artillery Regiment.

Directors Jim Stanton and Cam Cathcart hold the official Honour House flag, designed by vexilologist Arthur Hughes.

Honour House President Al DeGenova spoke about the challenge offered to him to get Honour House up and running by then Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Rick Hillier. After four hard years work, Al presented his framed CDS Challenge coin for permanent display in the House.

Rich Coleman, Solicitor General and Housing Minister spoke about the need for places like Honour House and how the province of British Columbia committed $2 million to make the purchase of the property and land a reality.

Mayor Wayne Wright has been an ardent supporter of Honour House from the moment he found out about it. He and his council and staff have been unstinting in having the Home renovated in record time. Pat Buchannon was our official piper.

An Honour Guard comprised of members of the BC Ambulance Service, New Westminster Fire & Rescue Services, New Westminster Police Service and Royal Westminster Regiment emphasized the important role of first responders and our Armed Forces in Canada.

After declaring Honour House open, Captain Greene presented Al DeGenova with a souvenir Afghanistan Campaign coin.

Media coverage was extensive. Guests had an opportunity to view the interior of Honour House.

Doormat at entrance to the House

An upstairs bedroom, fully accessible, with ensuite bathroom.

Beautifully furnished and appointed common living room.

Dining room.

It is anticipated that Honour House will be fully operational to start receiving guests in mid-January 2011.

Quilts crafted for Honour House were displayed on November 13

Honour House — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 05:30:11 +0000

Quilts crafted by Vancouver quilters for Honour House in New Westminster were displayed November 13th at the Kerrisdale Royal Canadian Legion, 2177 West 42nd S Honour House will provide temporary accommodation for injured Canadian military personnel, and their families, while they are undergoing treatment in Metro Vancouver.

Don Vandervoort receives Lifetime Achievement award by the VCRA

Honour House — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:11:42 +0000

Honour House Board members attended the Annual Awards dinner of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VCRA) on Wednesday, October 27th.

Honour House was given an opportunity to display the working drawings of the House and was given prominent recognition by members of the Association.

Don Vandervoort, who sits on the VRCA Board has been a driving force developing the relationship with Honour House, was give a Lifetime Achievement award by the VCRA.

Well done, Don.