We had a terrific year and on behalf of the band I would like to say thank you for all the support you have given us. We are in the planning and booking stages of tour dates for 2013 and will begin posting them in February. Touring last fall with Michael Peter Smith was an absolute joy – he is a great songwriter, performer and a wonderful human being. Jason and I are looking forward to touring with him again in 2013.
One of the highlights for me this past year was the Jim Cuddy / John McDermott Show in Hamilton Ontario. The show raised over $200,000 for McDermott House Canada and with that we were able to share $100,000 divided equally with four regional Hospices. We intend to continue this approach across the country as we raise money for MHC. We are working closely with the True Patriot Love Foundation and are grateful for the great support that they are giving us.
As we move towards our target of 3.6 million dollars for the renovation and expansion of the Palliative Care unit located in the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Veterans Wing (K Wing) I am confident that 2013 will be stellar year for MHC and we will be able to start the three stage renovation process later this year.
Another great highlight for me was the Marine Corps Birthday luncheon in Boston. The Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Society awarded me with the Ted Williams Globe and Anchor Award. Several of my good friends from the Congressional medal of Honor Society were with me that day to share in the festivities: Tom Hudner, Barney Barnum and Tom Kelley who presented me with the award. We were joined by the Commandant of the Corps General James F. Amos
L to R: Congressional Medal of Honour recipient Thomas Kelley; Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos; Ted Williams Globe and Anchor Award recipient John McDermott; and Co-Founder and Vice Chair, True Patriot Love Foundation, Michael Burns.