Since its initial kickoff in 2014, Breakfast on the Bridge, in support of the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), has become a unique experience for generous Calgarians across the city. This year, the third Breakfast on the Bridge is scheduled for June 17, 2017 in honour of Canada’s 150th anniversary and will feature the Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan, minister of defence.
Taking place on the iconic Peace Bridge, connecting downtown with northwest Calgary, guests will make their way along candlelit paths for the 5:00 a.m. start time before being treated to a Hotel Arts-catered Canadian-fare breakfast – including beaver tails and maple syrup – in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. While dining, the early risers will enjoy the music of three-time Juno-nominee Don Amero, a flyover by three Canadian Forces Tutor jets and a poignant address by keynote speaker, the Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan.
The event is the brainchild of Calgary businessman George Brookman (West Canadian Digital Imaging), who is joined by W. Brett Wilson (co-founder of FirstEnergy Capital and a former panellist on CBC’s Dragons’ Den), co-chair of the event.
“It is a great cause and a very unique event; you can get up early on Saturday morning and by 7:30 a.m. you can go home and go back to bed if you want,” laughs Brookman. “There is nothing like a beautiful June morning in Calgary and watching the sun rise over the Bow River Valley.”
Tickets sell for $750 per person and proceeds will be directed to an important cause: the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). The MFRC’s programs and services support Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families. Dollars raised on this special morning will help fund the tremendous work they do, with particular attention to issues surrounding mental health and well-being, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To ensure the event’s continued success, Brookman, a well-known Calgary business leader, volunteer and philanthropist, has garnered the support of four sponsors this year – TD Canada Trust, Cenovus Energy, the Calgary Flames Foundation and Telus.
“When the MFRC initially approached me, they said it would be great if we could raise $50,000 to help their cause,” adds Brookman. “So we went ahead and raised $170,000 and did it again in 2015. This year, we are hoping to meet or even exceed that amount.”
As the event is always sold out and the bridge only seats 250 attendees, Brookman encourages those interested in attending to purchase tickets early. “People really enjoy coming to this and we have a lot of fun. When they arrive it is pitch black and we have candles lighting the pathway. Then the sun rises and by the time they go home, it is a bright and sunny day.”
For ticket information or to donate, please call 403-410-2320 (ext. 3591) or visit calgarymfrc.ca.