Collingwood, ON – January 31, 2025 – Gerard Buckley and Mary MacDonald of Collingwood have been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their significant contributions to youth development and community service across Canada. Nominated by the Army Cadet League of Canada, the couple received the honour during the 1909 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Christmas Mess at the Collingwood Legion, Branch 63.

Gerard and Mary have demonstrated unwavering dedication to supporting youth through various charitable initiatives. Their efforts include funding swimming scholarships for children aged 4 to 16 under the YMCA Simcoe/Muskoka’s Fee Assisted Program and sponsoring the Inclusive Halloween Party at the YMCA and Children’s Treatment Network, benefiting over 170 children in South Georgian Bay.

As founding partners of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charter for Business, they have also supported the Pipes and Drums Band and Music Program at the Cadet Summer Training Centre at Base Borden. Through the establishment of the Gerard Buckley Cadet Fund (GBCF), they have raised over $390,000, awarding more than 86 grants of $3,000 each to cadet corps across Canada enhancing extracurricular programs.

Locally, Gerard and Mary are active supporters of the 1909 Collingwood Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, Developing Scholars, Home Horizons, My Friend’s House, the Out of the Cold Program, Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation, Blue Mountain Village Association Foundation, Saugeen Memorial Hospital, and Canada Company through The Buckley MacDonald Youth Fund.

The Buckley MacDonald Youth Fund has been a longstanding supporter of numerous community programs nationwide, including The Army Cadet League of Canada, The Blue Mountain Village Foundation, Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, and Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation. Through their business, Jaguar Capital and Buckley Mortgage Broker – Mortgage Wellness, they have committed to donating 10% of all mortgage revenue back into the community.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal commemorates His Majesty’s ascension as King of Canada and is administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall. The medal honours individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or their communities.

 

**Media Contact:**
Abigail Clark
abby@redtailcreative.ca

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