When a group of 17 women—including corporate leaders, Canadian veterans and active-duty service members—set out on a 10-day expedition along the Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories, they were united by more than the call of adventure. They were there to bridge two worlds: the civilian and the military.
The August expedition, organized by the True Patriot Love (TPL) Foundation, embodied the charity’s core mission: to address the unique challenges veterans face—from health to reintegration and family well-being—while helping Canadians better understand the impact of military service.
Transforming understanding through experience
Founded in 2009, True Patriot Love is dedicated to supporting military members, veterans and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed nearly $50 million to support more than 1,000 community-based programs nationwide, supporting wellness, transition and research.
CEO Nick Booth says the foundation’s model is unique in its ability to connect philanthropic organizations, corporations and individual donors with the people and programs that have the greatest impact. “We’re not just funders—we’re connectors,” he says.
True Patriot Love identifies needs in the community and then provides capital to program partners on the ground doing the work.
“It can be difficult for a company, foundation or family office that wants to support this country’s veterans to understand the quality and availability of programs,” says Booth. “We have insight into all the community programs across the country.”
True Patriot Love’s Disbursement Advisory Committee (DAC) plays a crucial role in how the foundation allocates funding. The committee, which includes subject-matter experts in military health, social work, rehabilitation and policy, provides strategic guidance and ensures grants are informed by evidence and real-world need. “If, for example, an organization wants to fund a program for women in the military,” Booth explains, “we know where those programs are.”
Another way the foundation helps veterans transition to civilian life, while also raising awareness, is with annual expeditions. Since 2012, the foundation has organized fundraising expeditions, which Booth calls “shared journeys of recovery”, around the world, bringing together veterans and civilians.
“The veterans get a chance to understand and think about the civilian world. They meet senior business leaders and typically retain those connections when they leave,” Booth says. “And civilians get an opportunity to understand the world the veterans come from, as it’s not a world a lot of us understand.”
A shared mission of service and stewardship
Among those who took part in the Nahanni River expedition was the vice-president of investments at Canso Investment Counsel Ltd, Jacqueline Szeto.
For Szeto, the experience was transformative—both personally and professionally. She says that what drew her to the Nahanni expedition was the opportunity to connect directly with veterans and gain perspective on what service really means. “You realize that leadership, teamwork, and accountability—the same values that drive us in finance—are lived every day by members of the military,” she says. “That’s humbling and inspiring.”
The shared challenge of navigating rapids and remote terrain became a metaphor for resilience and teamwork. Booth says that these expeditions are about far more than adventure. “When you bring civilians and veterans together in a setting that strips away hierarchy and distraction, something remarkable happens,” he says. “It builds understanding. It changes perceptions. And it creates ambassadors for the veteran community.”
For many veterans, the expedition offered a space to heal, rebuild confidence and find new purpose outside of military life. For civilian participants like Szeto, it was a rare chance to listen and learn. “You can’t go through something like that without forming lasting bonds,” she says. “It changed how I think about leadership, resilience, and the importance of mental health—not just in the armed forces, but in every profession.”
Investing in the next chapter of veteran care
Canso’s support for True Patriot Love and sponsorship of the Nahanni All-Women’s Expedition is part of a broader commitment to social responsibility. Szeto says the experience reaffirmed the importance of investing in human potential, something she sees as central to both finance and philanthropy.
“At Canso, we take a long-term view. Supporting True Patriot Love aligns perfectly with that,” Szeto says. “It’s about making an investment in people—ensuring that those who’ve given so much to this country have the resources and recognition they deserve. We need to take care of the people who take care of us.”
Partnerships like Canso’s are vital to True Patriot Love’s continued impact. “Corporate partners bring not only financial support but also leadership and networks that help amplify our mission,” says Booth. “When someone like Jacqui participates in an expedition, she becomes a champion for the cause. That ripple effect is powerful.”
Booth says Canso has supported the foundation since its inception. “Over the years, Canso has donated more than $1.5 million to the foundation,” he says. That sponsorship of True Patriot Love’s signature event continues today, as Canso serves as Entertainment Sponsor of this year’s Annual Tribute Dinners.
A legacy of resilience and leadership
As True Patriot Love looks to the future, Booth says the foundation remains focused on innovation and inclusivity—supporting a new generation of veterans. “Our mission is about ensuring that every veteran, regardless of when or how they served, has access to the care and community they need.”
What’s more, Booth believes all Canadians—including the business community—have a moral obligation to look after those who choose to serve their country. “As many family offices continue to deal with everything going on in the world right now, with tariffs and the various business challenges we face,” Booth says, “I’m hoping this bond between the public and its armed forces remains strong.”
For Szeto, the journey on the Nahanni River is something she’ll carry with her for years to come. “When I think about what we accomplished together—the teamwork, the honesty, the laughter—it’s something I’ll never forget,” she says. “It reminded me that resilience isn’t about going it alone; it’s about lifting each other up.”
Through initiatives like the Nahanni expedition, and with the support of partners such as Canso, True Patriot Love continues to redefine what it means to serve — not just in uniform, but in community and compassion.
True Patriot Love’s Tribute Auction is now open, with exclusive, bucket-list experiences, tickets to unforgettable events, and great holiday gifts. Funds raised from the auction will benefit programs that support Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and their families across the country. Unique to the Auction this year is the Scents of the Nahanni River Custom Created Candle, designed by the expedition team and created by Kandl Artistique. Proceeds from the sale of the special edition candle will support the true Patriot Love Captain Nichola Goddard Fund. The Auction closes on Monday November 10 at 5pm ET.
Disclaimer: This story was created by Canadian Family Offices’ commercial content division on behalf of Canso Investment Counsel Ltd., which is a member and content provider of this publication