FAQ
The Vancouver Military Dinner is an event held annually in Vancouver, BC, focused on raising awareness of the Canadian military, its traditions, customs, missions, and personnel. Each year, we bring together approximately 150 veterans, sailors, soldiers, aviators, special forces operators, and local Vancouverites from all walks of life, fostering understanding and encouraging bonds between individuals who, in many cases, would not normally meet.
Each event features two guest speakers: One from the leadership of the Canadian Armed Forces, and one from a featured organization or charity that we select each year. These speakers provide our guests with the rare opportunity to meet and hear from senior military personnel in an intimate setting, while also learning about the important work of organizations dedicated to making life better for veterans and service members.
The Vancouver Military Dinner is certainly not the only military or military-themed event in BC. Our friends in the local Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) community host numerous events throughout the year, ranging from the BC Military Gala's annual ball, to the smaller, unit-focused mess dinners of individual regiments and units. As we stand for awareness and celebration of the CAF and its traditions, we fully support, encourage, and often attend these events!
Our identity and uniqueness stem from the structure, mission, and intimacy of our event:
We strive to maintain a 50-50 balance between the civilian and military communities, allowing these two segments of society to learn from and celebrate each other.
While our event is open to all, we keep it somewhat small, maintaining an atmosphere where each guest can realistically meet and speak to every other attendee.
We are focused on encouraging relationships and awareness, both of the CAF and of the incredible work being done by various organizations to support our veterans.
We feature different, highly-placed, and interesting guest speakers each year. Previous guest speakers have included the Royal Canadian Navy Rear-Admiral overseeing all military forces in BC and the Major-General in charge of Canadian Army forces in the west, while our charity guests have joined us from such illustrious organizations as Soldier On, Honour House, and the Veterans' Memorial Manor.
The Vancouver Military Dinner runs in the style of a modified mess dinner. This style of dining - which encourages a unique mix of lively banter and solemn respect for tradition - is as well-known to military personnel as it is obscure to civilians. Whether in uniform or not, our guests experience a truly unique meal every year!
We're proud to fill a unique (and vital, if you ask us) role in the diverse tapestry of military events in this city and province.
No. Our organizing committee is made up of a passionate mix of veterans, civilian professionals, and serving members, who conduct the Vancouver Military Dinner on our own volition. We are not an official Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or Department of National Defence event.
That said, personnel from all services attend our event, sharing their experiences with their fellow guests. We're deeply indebted to the CAF for the immense support that we receive every year from ships, units, regiments, and bases around BC, as well as for the senior leaders who take the time to attend and speak with us every year.
Yes and no. Our core mission is to raise awareness of the Canadian Armed Forces, and to bring Canadians closer to those who serve. That will never change.
However, all proceeds generated by the event are donated to that year's Featured Charity or Organization. Additionally, guests are provided the opportunity to make additional donations, or to participate in fundraising activities such as silent auctions or wine pulls. To date, the Vancouver Military Dinner has generated nearly $250,000 for causes that support veterans and CAF members, a testament to the generosity of our guests.
There is no expectation of additional donations. Your presence is more than enough, and any additional contribution - while deeply appreciated - is voluntary and optional.
After a highly successful 10th event, we've decided to end the event. There are currently no plans for an 11th.
However, some discussions are ongoing about possibly continuing the tradition under new management or arrangements. Should any news arise, it will be shared with our followers and supporters.