Donate & Support 223 Red Lion Air Cadets
The Air Cadet program is designed to be accessible to youth. Core cadet training is publicly funded and uniforms are provided at no cost to families.
But that funding does not cover everything it takes to operate and support a strong local squadron.
Here in Vernon, the 223 Red Lion Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) is responsible for raising the additional funds that help keep our local squadron running and give our cadets opportunities beyond the core program.
Make a Charitable Donation Online
If you'd like to contribute directly, you can donate online through CanadaHelps to the 223 Red Lion Squadron Sponsoring Committee.
Eligible charitable donations receive an official tax receipt.
What Isn't Covered by Public Funding?
A significant part of the local cadet experience depends on fundraising, donations, sponsorships and community support.
Local Facilities & Operations
Facility costs, local insurance and other expenses required to support the squadron locally.
Awards & Recognition
Awards, trophies and other ways we recognize cadet achievement, leadership and service.
Band, Drill & Marksmanship
Additional equipment, supplies and costs that help make these popular cadet programs possible.
Equipment & Supplies
Additional equipment, materials and supplies that aren't provided through the publicly funded portion of the program.
Events & Food
Food, refreshments, event materials and other costs associated with squadron events, including our Annual Ceremonial Review.
Citizenship Trips & Activities
Trips, outings, special activities and experiences that give cadets opportunities beyond their regular training nights.
Gliding Support
Provincial costs including glider maintenance and insurance that help support aviation opportunities for cadets.
Extra Opportunities
The many additional experiences that make a cadet year memorable, from special training and community activities to opportunities that arise throughout the year.
Every local expense that can be covered through fundraising, sponsorship or an in-kind donation frees up more of our available funds for cadet experiences.
For example, if a local business sponsors $3,000 in food for a major squadron event, that's $3,000 the SSC can put toward citizenship trips, activities, equipment or other opportunities for our cadets instead.
And supporting us doesn't necessarily mean writing a cheque. There are several easy ways families and community members can help, including options that don't cost you anything extra.
Your Support Means More Opportunities for Cadets
Help Us Spread the Word
You don't have to donate money to help us fundraise.
We've created a Four Easy Ways to Help poster that you can download, print or share. Put one up at your workplace, staff room, community board or anywhere else people in the Vernon area might see it.
The more people who know about these simple ways to support 223 Red Lion Squadron, the more those small contributions can add up.
Four Easy Ways to Support Vernon Air Cadets
Supporting 223 Red Lion Squadron doesn't necessarily mean reaching into your pocket. Three of these four options cost you nothing extra, but together they can make a significant difference for our cadets.
1. Fill Up With Gas at Co-op Vernon
When you fuel up at Co-op Vernon, use number 87705 or simply tell them:
"Vernon Air Cadets - Red Lion"
Your regular fuel purchase can help support the squadron at no additional cost to you.
3. Buying Tile or Flooring?
If you're shopping at The Tile Guy Flooring & Renovations, ask them to name 223 Red Lion Squadron as your charity of choice.
You make the purchase you were already planning, and our cadets benefit.
2. Donate Your Bottles
Have returnables sitting around?
Take them to Chaser's Bottle Depot and ask to have the proceeds put under the 223 Red Lion Squadron account.
It's an easy way to turn bottles and cans you already have into support for local cadet programs.
4. Make a Charitable Donation Online
If you'd like to contribute directly, you can donate online through CanadaHelps.
Charitable donations receive an official tax receipt.
Parents - There Are Lots of Ways to Help
There is no single way to be involved. Every family has different amounts of time, availability and resources, and financial donations are not required to be a supportive cadet family.
Parents can help by:
Attending our Monthly Parent Meetings
Supporting fundraising activities
Using and sharing our Four Easy Ways to Help
Volunteering at activities and events when available
Sharing professional skills, connections or experience
Spreading the word about squadron fundraisers
Providing feedback, ideas and asking questions
Even small contributions of time, participation or support add up and help us provide more opportunities for our cadets.
Interested in Sponsoring 223 Red Lion Squadron?
Local businesses and organizations can make a particularly big impact through cash sponsorships, in-kind donations and donated products or services.
Depending on the opportunity, sponsors may be recognized through event materials, signage, online promotion or other appropriate acknowledgement. For some sponsored materials, there may also be opportunities for your business logo to remain on the item for its useful life.
We are especially interested in connecting with local businesses that can help with things like:
Printing and event signage
Professional-grade sandwich boards and reusable signage
Banners and promotional materials
Food and refreshments for major squadron events
Equipment, supplies and other in-kind contributions
Financial sponsorship of cadet activities and opportunities
Eligible cash and qualifying in-kind donations may receive a charitable tax receipt where CRA requirements are met.
Contact the SSC Chairperson at chair@223redlion.ca for sponsorship opportunities.
Help Give Our Cadets an Amazing Year
223 Red Lion Squadron gives young people opportunities to fly, lead, learn, perform, serve their community, build friendships and challenge themselves.
Our officers, volunteers, parents, sponsors, donors and community partners all play a part in making those opportunities possible.
Thank you for supporting the cadets of 223 Red Lion Squadron!
