By David Robinson
Soon I will be sending each Group Leader a pamphlet published by The Vimy Foundation. Within this pamphlet, you will find information about several of the Vimy Foundation’s programs.
One of their programs that EF is a proud supporter and sponsor of is the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize. The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize competition is the Vimy Foundation’s flagship program. Providing young students with a historical perspective second to none, the annual scholarship brings together youth from Canada, the United Kingdom and France, so that they can better appreciate the intertwined history of their three nations and come to understand the bravery and sacrifice of war.
The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize competition also builds upon the legacy of Lord Beaverbrook, (1879-1964) a prominent Canadian historical figure, known for his creativity, ambition, leadership and vibrant energy. Born in Canada of modest background, Max Aitken rose as a successful entrepreneur, both in Canada and the United Kingdom, where he became an influential newspaper publisher, important Government Minister and a friend and a close colleague of Winston Churchill during World War II.
The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize is awarded on the basis of essay submissions and interviews. Participants must be 15-17 years old with a 70% grade average at school and proven leadership skills. Winners take part in an intensive scholarship program in Europe participating in educational seminars and museum events, including visits to the iconic Vimy War Memorial and other historic battlefields and grave sites, in England, Belgium and France.
I encourage you to take the time to visit their website at www.vimyfoundation.ca
