This year marks the thirteenth year that No Stone Left Alone has been operating in Canada.
This memorial foundation is dedicated to honouring and remembering Canada’s veterans through a unique ceremony that gives students and youth an authentic experience that creates an appreciation for those who served and sacrificed for the country.
“It was created by Maureen Bianchini Purvis because she saw a lack of connection with young people in terms of connecting them with the service and sacrifice of our military,” said Michelle Koch, national coordinator with No Stone Left Alone. “It sparked an idea for Maureen to see if she could get other youth to engage in this way and honour more veterans across the country.”
Purvis lost her mother when she was twelve years old. Her mother was a veteran who asked her not to forget her on Armistice Day.
“It started in 2011 with just one event in Edmonton at Beechmount Cemetary, and then it grew to 226 events across Canada and internationally,” added Koch. “This year we expect to have that number, or potentially a little bit more, and every year we bring in new communities, individuals, and schools.”
In total for 2022, 9,778 students from 168 communities honoured 79,896 veterans across the country.
The goal of No Stone Left Alone is to make sure that every Canadian veteran is honoured on Remembrance Day. According to Statistics Canada, there are over 460,000 Canadian veterans.
“Although we are running these 200 events across the country, we do it completely off donor support. We’re a non-profit that relies on donor, sponsor, and funder support. We’re really grateful for those who support us through volunteering and donating.”
If you’re interested in donating or volunteering for No Stone Left Alone can do so by visiting their website.
