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The Vimy Foundation created the Vimy Pilgrimage Award (VPA) to recognize the actions of young people, ages 15-17, who are dedicated to the betterment of society.
VPA recipients demonstrate an outstanding commitment to their communities through positive contributions, volunteering, or notable deeds that benefit their peers, family, school, town, province, or country.
The Vimy Pilgrimage Award consists of a fully funded week-long educational program in Belgium and France to study Canada’s First World War contributions, within the context of a global conflict.
The program features daily visits to important First World War sites including museums, cemeteries, and historic battlefields. Participants gain transferable skills, unique perspectives about the First World War, and connect with like-minded peers from across the country.
Alumni from the Vimy Pilgrimage Award go on to share their new knowledge and perspectives of the First World War with their peers, schools, and communities. They become ambassadors for the Vimy Foundation. VPA alumni continue to interact with their peers through the Vimy Foundation Alumni Council and join a network of inspiring young people.
Please verify the application status below and read the terms and conditions for program details. Contact us at programs@vimyfoundation.ca if you have any questions.
Please fill out the application form before the deadline. The application will include contact information, essay components, your presentation video, your letter of reference and your resume. Applications for 2025 are open from October 28 to November 26, 2024 11:59PM (local time).
A selection committee will review all applications. Select candidates will be contacted for a virtual interview. All applicants will be notified whether they have been selected or not.
Recipients will be notified by email and will have five days to accept the award. Recipients and their parents/guardians will complete the acceptance form.
Meet fellow participants; research your chosen soldier or nurse; work on your group project; and visit First World War sites in Europe!
The program is scheduled for April 2-10, 2025. Apply online before November 26, 2024 11:59PM (Local time).
Please check back at a later date and see resources below.
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Sponsors
The Estate of Mildred and Tom Irvine provides generous support to our recipients.
The Jon and Nancy Love Fund at the Toronto Foundation provides generous support to our recipients.
The Randhawa Group provides support to recipients travelling from more northern or remote communities.
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Ellison Travel & Tours Ltd. is a long-time partner, providing travel and booking support for The Vimy Foundation's overseas education programs.
Aeroplan provides travel support for Canadian participants for The Vimy Foundation's overseas programs.
The Gloria Baylis Foundation provides generous support to our recipients.
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The Vimy Pilgrimage Award is an experience that follows you long after you return to your hometown. I will forever be a Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipient for the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and I will always have the memories and friendships that were made… I've been fortunate enough to be able to weave my experiences from the Vimy Pilgrimage Award into my education, as I have given presentations about the past, present, and future battlefield tourism. Over five years later, I can't get over how unique of an experience the Vimy Pilgrimage Award was for me. I am eternally thankful for this amazing opportunity.
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Explore our educational resources and learn how the battle of Vimy Ridge became a turning point in Canadian History.
