Canadian Hero Fund recognized with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal OTTAWA - On Monday, February 6, 2012, Canadian

Hero Fund executive director Michael Ball was one of 60 Canadians to receive the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at Rideau Hall. Governor General David Johnston and Prime Minister Stephen Harper presided over the medal ceremony, which marked the 60th anniversary of the Queens service to Canada and recognized significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. During the introduction of awards, the Canadian Hero Fund was recognized for its leadership in helping the children of fallen soldiers pursue post-secondary education. This is a very special honour for the Hero Fund and we are truly humbled to be recognized by Her Majesty for our efforts, said Ball. Since launching in 2009, the Canadian Hero Fund has raised over a quarter million dollars and awarded $35,000 in scholarships to the children of fallen soldiers. The Hero Fund relies on contributions from countless volunteers across Canada, said co-founder Tim Peters, who was present at Rideau Hall on behalf of the Fund. This award reinforces the importance of strong, continued civilian support for our men and women in uniform, and their families. About the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. The Chancellery of Honours, as part of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, administers the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal program. For more information visit: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019 About the Canadian Hero Fund Founded by university students in 2009, the Canadian Hero Fund is a registered charity dedicated to assisting military families, with the initial goal of providing post-secondary scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen Canadian soldiers. The motto keeping their dreams alive stands for the dreams of the children that are supported through Canadian Hero Fund scholarships, as well as the dreams of fallen soldiers who wanted more for future generations. For more information, or to donate, visit: http://www.herofund.ca/