Vimy Education Centre & student programs

As we celebrate Canada’s 147th birthday, check out some of the exciting projects by our friends at the Vimy Foundation:

As the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge approaches, the Vimy Foundation will play a leading role in building a new Education Centre adjacent to the Vimy Memorial, to be unveiled on April 9, 2017. The creation of a state-of-the-art Vimy Education Centre in France will be a fitting tribute to the legacy of the Canadians who fought and died at the site 100 years ago. It will become a destination not only for Canadians making an important pilgrimage to France but also for visitors from around the world to learn about this important turning point in Canadian history. The Government of Canada has committed $5 million to the project, and the Vimy Foundation will raise an additional $5-10 million through the generosity of Canadians.

In 2012, The Bank of Canada, in partnership with the Vimy Foundation, launched the new polymer $20 bill which features an image of the Vimy Memorial. The Vimy Foundation is asking Canadians to ‘Give a VIMY ($20 bill) for Vimy’ to help raise awareness and funds for the new Education Centre. Donations can be made at www.vimy100.ca and donors will receive a Vimy Pin and their name added on the Vimy 2017 online registry.

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The Vimy Foundation also runs three student programs, to educate youth in Canada and abroad about Canada’s involvement in the First World War. 

The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize brings together youth from Canada, the United Kingdom and France, so that they can better appreciate the intertwined history of their three nations.
The Vimy Pilgrimage Award is a week-long educational program in France and Belgium, to recognize the actions of young Canadians who demonstrate outstanding service, positive contributions, notable deeds, bravery or leadership.
The Vimy: Canada’s Coming of Age Encounters with Canada week is an in-depth look at Canada’s participation in the First World War, where over 100 young Canadians from across the country travel to Ottawa for a week.