Hot Cocoa Beats Cold to Help Heroes

Jan. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- This past Monday, U of T students and faculty braved the cold to support Canadian military families.  Student volunteers were giving away hot chocolate and accepting donation at the corner of Bloor and St. George St. in an effort that raised over $800 for the Canadian Hero Fund.

CBC’s “Connect with Mark Kelly”, Citytv and Army news documented ‘Hot Chocolate for Heroes’, the first of what the charity hopes will be many similar events nationwide.  “This isn’t a one time event,” said Michael Ball, Executive Director of the Fund, “we want fundraisers like this one to take off across the country in a show of support for Canadian Forces and their families.  We’ve already heard from people in Halifax, Montreal and BC who want to get involved.”

The event made a splash on campus, attracting President of the University of Toronto David Naylor, and Chancellor of Trinity College Bill Graham among others.  While most visitors were students and faculty on their way to class, some came from quite a distance to attend: “An 84 year old man drove all the way from Oshawa to cut us a cheque,” said Alan Fraser, Co-Founder of the Fund, “he didn’t have internet to donate online so he came to see us in person!”

The money raised at ‘Hot Chocolate for Heroes’ will go towards a scholarship fund for the children of fallen Canadian soldiers.  The Canadian Hero Fund is grateful to local sponsors L’Espresso Bar Mercurio for donating the hot chocolate, Sign-A-Rama and All Signs for donating the banners.






Founded by university students in 2009, the Canadian Hero Fund is a registered charity dedicated to assisting military families, with a focus on grassroots initiatives and youth engagement. The motto “Keeping Their Dreams Alive” stands for the dreams of the families and children that are sustained through Canadian Hero Fund support programs, as well as the dreams of fallen soldiers who wanted more for future generations.


For more information about the Canadian Hero Fund or to organize your own fundraiser visit herofund.ca or contact: info@herofund.ca | 888-602-3071