At 8:45am on Friday, July 8th, three hundred Muskoka Woods staff and over five hundred guests gathered around the flagpole at the centre of the camp.
Different from most mornings, the feeling in the air was more solemn, respectful. What set this day apart is that it was Red Friday. On military bases across Canada, red is worn each Friday as a sign of solidarity and respect for the soldiers who have served and are serving our country, as well as those who have given their lives in the process.
At Muskoka Woods, Week 1 was coming to a close. During this time, we had hosted seventy-five guests from military families where at least one parent was in active service abroad. As a part of the Muskoka Woods Youth Foundation (MWYF) Heroes program, these guests, under the strain of an absent parent, were given a week at camp as an opportunity for us at MW to serve the families who have given so much in the service of us.
As the Canadian flag was raised and the national anthem began, a cumulative 800 voices sang the words to O Canada. That Friday, we wore red to show our support to the Muskoka Woods Heroes and the sacrifices made by their families. We support their strength and their will. We wore Red and we remembered that we are free and we are proud and we remembered those who have given us the right to be so.
The MWYF Heroes initiative is funded by the generous donation of Caldwell Financial Ltd., Canada Company and other special donors To support the MWYF Heores or other World Shaping Initiatives, visit the MWYF website at: www.muskokawoodsfoundation.com
For more information on Red Fridays, please visit: www.redfridays.ca
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