Walter Schneider, left, and Shaun Francis, chair of the True Patriot Love Foundation.

Walter Schneider, co-founder and president of Re/Max Ontario-Atlantic Canada, was decorated with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of contributions made to the True Patriot Love Foundation in support of Canada’s military families through the Schneider Family Foundation.

The medal honours Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their fellow countrymen, their community or to Canada over the previous 60 years. The prestigious award was presented to just 16,000 citizens nationwide in 2012.

The True Patriot Love Foundation, formed by a group of business leaders, was established to pay tribute to Canadian military families. The foundation undertakes programs and initiatives that support the health and well-being of servicemen and women and their families, as well as build bridges between Canadian civilians and the military to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.

“It’s very humbling to receive such an award,” says Schneider. “The Schneider Family Foundation was created to make a difference in the lives of others and from our perspective, no one does that better than the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces protect our borders with sacrifice, bravery and honour. Their efforts bring hope of a better life to vulnerable and conflicted societies throughout the world. Their commitment to freedom, to this country and its citizens, is beyond compare.”

Since 2001, The Schneider Family Foundation has funded worthwhile causes in communities across Canada with a strong focus on health, education and culture.  Beneficiaries have included various charitable and service organizations such as Women’s College Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital, the West Parry Sound Health Centre (new birthing room), SickKids Foundation, Pathways to Education, War Child Canada, ShareLife and The YMCA.