An artistic and passionate supporter of the troops, Carolyn Patton has been actively supporting Veterans and current serving members through her various involvement with the Canadian Forces Liaison Council as Alberta Chair, With Glowing Hearts, and the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.
As a specialist in strategic and creative marketing, Carolyn felt a profound obligation to channel her expertise towards uplifting Canadian Veterans through arts and history. In 2008, Carolyn led the Yellow Ribbon Campaign, a powerful initiative that welcomed soldiers returning home from Afghanistan. Her vision transformed the original “Support the Troops” concept into a city-wide movement. Thousands of yellow ribbons decorated trees throughout Edmonton, symbolizing unwavering support. This effort not only raised over $200,000, but also promoted a nationwide resurgence of patriotism and appreciation for our troops.
Carolyn’s impact extended far beyond Edmonton. As Alberta Chair on the Canadian Forces Liaison Council from 2015 to 2023, she bridged the gap between employers and Reserve soldiers. Her advocacy led to significant policy changes. For example, she championed an amendment to the Employment Standards Code and reduced the required service period for Reservist Leave from 26 weeks to 12 weeks. Carolyn also played a key role in establishing Reservist Recognition Day, removing the 20-day limit on unpaid Reservist leave, and ensuring Reservists’ inclusion in DND Mandatory Training and Testing Recognition agreements.
In 2018, collaborating with The Vimy Foundation, she conceptualized, created and produced a video re-telling John McCrae’s iconic poem “In Flanders Fields”. This tribute resonated widely, collecting over one million collective views on social media.
In 2017 and 2018, as the Armistice and 100YEG Chair, Carolyn organized events commemorating the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Great War’s Armistice Centenary in Edmonton. Over 100 military and civilian volunteers participated in these multimedia tributes, attended by over 5,000 citizens. The project raised over $100,000, showing the enduring impact of Carolyn’s leadership and dedication.