Expedition to the top of the bottom of the world

Bennett Jones' tax partner, Claire Kennedy, has just returned from Antarctica on an expedition to Vinson Massif—the highest peak in Antarctica at 16,050 feet and one of the world's Seven Summits. Claire was part of True Patriot Love (TPL) Foundation's signature expedition in 2016, where eight ill and injured soldiers and 17 Canadian business leaders took part.

The journey exceeded its fundraising goal of $1 million for TPL. Claire personally raised over $109,000, more than twice her original goal. Claire is a polar enthusiast, having travelled to Greenland and Svalbard in previous years.

"The expedition was unbelievably rewarding. The bonding between soldiers and civilians on the trip was intense and a very powerful experience. All the challenges we faced brought us together very quickly as a team, focused on our collective, not individual success. Sharing the good times and hard times with the other members of the expedition, in such a remote and harsh part of the world, was incredibly affirming of the human experience."

"It is the most physically and mentally demanding thing I have ever done. But I know it is relatively little to ask of myself compared to physical and mental demands placed on those who have served in our Armed Forces," she said.

Bennett Jones is a strong supporter of TPL and acts as its pro bono legal counsel. Many Bennett Jones lawyers donated to Claire's fundraising goal. Claire was motivated to climb Vinson Massif to support transition services, including mental health services to combat the scourge of PTSD and other operational stress injuries. More awareness and research on mental health maladies in our soldier and civilian communities alike is needed.

Previous True Patriot Love Expeditions journeyed to the Himalayas in 2012 and the North Pole in 2014. The purpose is to bring attention to the challenges that face members of the Canadian military, their families and Canada's veterans each day. By bringing these challenges into the spotlight, True Patriot Love strives to provide inspiration to those facing these issues every day and also garner financial support and awareness from Canadians across the country.

For more on True Patriot Love Foundation, visit www.truepatriotlove.com.

About True Patriot Love Foundation

True Patriot Love Foundation (TPL) is a national charity that honours the sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, veterans and their families in both times of peace and conflict. TPL funds unique programs and innovative research in the areas of family health and support, physical health and rehabilitation, mental health and wellbeing, and research and innovation. TPL is also committed to changing the conversation about our nation's veterans, hosting multinational symposiums and organizing ambitious global expeditions. Since 2009, True Patriot Love has committed more than $15.1 million to support military charities across Canada.

About Bennett Jones

Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to over 380 lawyers and business advisors in nine offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, the firm is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.

Media contact

Peter Zvanitajs
Senior Media Advisor
Bennett Jones
T: 416 777 6128 | C: 437 999 6214
E: zvanitajsp@bennettjones.com
www.bennettjones.com