About the Vancouver Military Dinner
Since 2014, the Vancouver Military Dinner has been delivering unique, elegant experiences, bringing military and civilian Canadians closer together and raising awareness of the issues and people that are fundamental to the defence of Canada.
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Learn more about the story, people, and home of the event here!
Our Story
In 2014, Canadian Armed Forces reservist Mark Adams and businessman Scott Martin invited a small group of military members and Vancouver professionals to dinner. Their goal: To encourage awareness of those who wear Canada's uniform by giving their civilian colleagues an inside look at customs and traditions that most outside of the Forces never experience.
The resulting evening was as educational as it was enjoyable. The Vancouver Military Dinner was born.
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In the years since, the dinner has become one of the city's most unique military-themed events. Every spring, sailors, soldiers, aviators, veterans, and local professionals descend on the historic Vancouver Club for delicious food, riveting stories, and camaraderie that endures far beyond the evening's end.
Each dinner sees a new keynote speaker invited from the senior ranks of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, or Royal Canadian Air Force, allowing our guests to meet and hear from distinguished leaders at the very heart of our military.
In addition to bringing Canadians and Canadian Armed Forces personnel together, the Vancouver Military Dinner also raises money for charities that support military members and veterans through silent auctions, donations of proceeds, and the incredible generosity of attendees. To date, our guests and sponsors have contributed more than $150,000 to these organizations, contributing significantly to the wellbeing of those who serve or have served.
Featured Charities & Organizations
The following organizations - all dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of Canada's military personnel and veterans - have been featured at previous Vancouver Military Dinners. While we generally select a new organization to feature each year, those from past dinners remain an important part of our fabric, and retain our support and appreciation.
Rainbow Veterans of Canada
2023
RVC is a federally-recognized non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that veterans affected by the LGBT Purge and those who identify as LGBTQ2+ are given the recognition, respect, and support they justly deserve for their service to Canada.
RVC also promotes education, awareness, and respect for the lived experiences of affected veterans and CAF members.
Soldier On
2022
Soldier On is an official Canadian Armed Forces program which seeks to help veterans and serving military personnel overcome illness and injury through sport and physical activity. Many credit Soldier On with empowering them to re-integrate with local activities and remain active for life.
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Soldier On also manages Canada's Invictus Games team.
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Honour House
2019
Honour House provides a “home away from home” for ill and injured heroes and their families, where they can stay free of charge while receiving medical care in the Vancouver area. Almost all work needed to keep Honour House running is done by volunteers, many of whom have served their country themselves.
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2019 proceeds also supported Honour Ranch, a new facility near Ashcroft, BC dedicated to supporting treatment of operational stress injuries
Wounded Warriors Canada
2018
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider that uses clinical best practices and evidence informed care to create an environment of compassion, resiliency and hope for ill and injured Veterans, First Responders and their families.
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Funds raised in 2018 directly support Wounded Warriors' many programs, all of which make a significant difference for veterans, first responders, and their families.
Whole Way House
2018
Whole Way House is a registered Canadian charity serving vulnerable seniors and veterans who are facing marginalization, disabilities, addiction issues and/or mental health issues at the Veterans Manor in the Downtown Eastside. Their vision is to reach the people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by creating a safe and welcoming environment and building meaningful relationships and a community that instills worth, value and dignity.
BCIT
Legion Military Skills Program
2017
The Legion Military Skills Conversion Program is designed to help accelerate and advance the careers of current and former serving Canadian Armed Forces Members. They aim to recognize the knowledge and skills developed during military service to offer fast-track education options and career support services.
Equitas Society
2016
The mission of the Equitas Society is to improve the lives of injured veterans through enhanced legal rights and corresponding benefits. They tirelessly advocate for veterans’ rights with the ultimate desire of seeing a covenant between Canada and its Armed Forces enshrined in Canadian Law.
Meet the Team
The Vancouver Military Dinner is organized and conducted by a passionate committee of volunteers:
Mark Adams, CD
Co-Founder & Co-Chair
Both a retired officer of the Royal Canadian Air Force and a proud member of Vancouver's professional community, Mark co-founded the Vancouver Military Dinner and continues to guide its development.
Co-Founder & Co-Chair
Scott Martin
Scott is a student of military tradition and a devout supporter of Canada's military. He is particularly committed to raising awareness of veterans' issues, and to ensuring that those who serve recieve the respect they deserve.
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Adria Karchut
Fundraising Director
Adria brings over15 years of project management and fundraising experience to our team. She is passionate about giving back, and oversees our efforts to generate funds to support veterans causes.
Sponsorship Director
Grant Carlson
Grant is a longtime consultant in the mining industry and a regular presence at the Vancouver Military Dinner. As interest grows, Grant ensures warm relations with our non-military partners.
Warren Kerek, CD
Chief Military Liaison
Warren is a retired Armour Officer and Afghanistan veteran who has since made Vancouver his home. He maintains our relationships with the city's military community and serves as our expert on Army tradition.
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Matt Goodwin, MMM CD
Military Liaison
A sailor, business owner, and member of the prestigious Order of Military Merit, Matt brings extensive experience to our team, representing the vital perspective of non-commissioned members on our committee.
Member at Large
Trevor Welsh, CD
A longtime supporter of veterans, Trevor draws upon experience in local government and his 14 years' service with the Royal Canadian Air Force to contribute to the ongoing success of the Vancouver Military Dinner.
Clark Hubbard, CD
Member at Large
A senior officer in Canada's submarine service, Clark supports our military liaison and fundraising efforts on Vancouver Island, and can be found making witty remarks as a Vice President at the annual dinner.
Member at Large
Colleen Kuhlmann
With over 11 years of experience as an occupational therapist, Colleen has supported hundreds of clients recovering from injuries, and has recently begun working with veterans in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada. She fell in love with our event as a guest, and is thrilled to support our efforts directly.
Jeff Lura, CD
Communications Director
A Vancouver expat now living in Ottawa, Jeff handles our communications, web presence, and social media. He is also our expert on naval custom, and handles the gavel as president of each year's dinner.
The Venue
Established in 1889, The Vancouver Club is the city's professional club of choice. Through their generosity, Vancouver Military Dinner attendees enjoy some of the world's finest hospitality and food, in the unique ambiance of a class A heritage building.