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In June 2020, the Royal Canadian Mint announced a partnership with Canada’s Breakfast Club charity in an effort to support their emergency funding for children and families who are facing food insecurity due to the repercussions of COVID-19. As part of the fundraising programme, 100% of the net proceeds were donated through the sale of the medal, which was available on the Royal Canadian Mint’s website and other points of sale. As of December 2020, the Royal Canadian Mint was very pleased to announce that its special Recognition Heroes Medal programme had raised a total of $400,000 (U.S. $314,000) for the Breakfast Club of Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
The Royal Canadian Mint’s President and CEO Marie Lemay commented during the announcement of the donation on the 21st December by reiterating that this special project exceeded everyone’s expectations in every way — from the generosity of Canadians, to the pride felt by each employee who donated their personal time and expertise to this fundraising effort. Lemay further commented the Royal Canadian Mint was gratified to have helped raise $400,000 for children and families living with food insecurity during the unprecedented pandemic.
The design of the base metal medals was a collaborative effort by Royal Canadian Mint employees with one side depicting a heart and maple leaf icon representing the collective spirit of Canadians. The maple leaf and heart as one symbolise Canadians banding together to help those in need. A complex array of micro-mirrors covering the heart creates a pulsating light effect that evokes Canada’s strong heartbeat.
The second side represents the country’s grateful spirit. The heart in the centre of the group symbolises Canadians coming together in appreciation for essential workers. The medal’s design overall recognises the dedication and bravery shown by front line responders and the micro text represents the thankful voices of a nation. As an added show of support, the nickel-plated steel pieces, which weigh 6.04 grams with a diameter of 21.9 millimetres, are magnetic and designed to be worn on clothing with the use of a magnetic disk and displaying the side of the medal of the wearer’s choice.
The medal is currently available from the Royal Canadian Mint on their website.
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