Soldier portraits displayed at Northlands in Edmonton

Susan Abma, Shairl Honey and Cindy Revell

We had an amazing week recently sharing Project Heroes™ at Northlands during rodeo week (CFR). We had about 16 of the fallen soldiers’ portraits there and we were painting on site. We met a lot of people, including friends and family of the soldiers. We thank everyone who stopped by our booth at Northlands to share your sentiments, sign our sheets in support of the troops, and/or donate to assist the project.

We feel so invigorated by the overwhelming support and we feel so proud to be able to commemorate the heroes who fought in Afghanistan to make a difference for our tomorrows. It was humbling for us to meet so many members of the military who served alongside the soldiers whose paintings we had on display. Although we've effectively volunteered the next 'who knows how many years' to this project, we've already been so richly rewarded by the response from the families, other soldiers, and the public. There is an indescribable sense of satisfaction in knowing that what we're doing is important, impactful and will ensure our present day heroes are remembered for generations to come.

Shairl Honey's portrait of Andrew "Boomer" Eykelenboom is gracing the labels of Boomer's Canadian Red Ale which just made it's debut this past weekend. Of each beer that is sold $1.00 goes to Boomer's Legacy which directly supports the people of Afghanistan affected by poverty and war with emphasis on programs and services for women and children. Boomer's Canadian Red Ale is brewed by Howe Sound Brewing Company.


Walter Zicha, Shairl Honey, John Ohler, Vice President and Manager of Sales and Business Development

Shairl with General Rick Hillier (retired) co-founder (Colonel Kevin Reed) of Project Hero, a program that provides undergraduate scholarships to children of fallen soldiers. www.projecthero.ca

Maureen Eykelenboom, mother of Corporal Andrew Eykelenboom (Boomer) with Shairl. www.boomerslegacy.ca
We're incredibly proud to be one of the organizations that are working hard to help soldiers and their families. We can't wait to taste the beer, and toast Boomer.

Project Heroes At The Canadian Finals Rodeo

Project Heroes™ will be hanging out with the cowboys and cowgirls this week. If you're attending Farm Fair and Canadian Finals Rodeo you'll find us in the Dodge City Western Art Gallery at Northlands from Nov. 10-14th. We'll have our easels set up and will be working our most recent soldier paintings, in addition there will be several completed portraits on display. Look for the great big horse mural, we're right in front of it. We're excited about this week long opportunity to share Project Heroes with the public and if you're coming out to the rodeo we hope to see you. Giddyup!