Janet Wilson is issuing a challenge to all the residents of Canada’s most patriotic village.
The local resident and owner of Club 177 is organizing a “Red Friday Rally” on Oct. 10 at 5:30pm outside her store at 177 George Street in Arthur.
She is asking everyone to simply wear read and show up for a village photo, which will be sent to Canadian troops in Afghanistan to coincide with Remembrance Day.
“Everybody raves about us being the most patriotic village – let’s put it to the test,” she said in an interview.
The goal of the rally is twofold: to provide a morale boost for troops in Afghanistan and also to raise awareness locally for Red Fridays, an initiative that encourages everyone to wear red on Fridays in a non-partisan support of Canadian soldiers.
“When the [troops] are overseas it doesn’t take much to make their day,” Wilson said.
“Anything we can do makes a huge difference.”
Red Fridays were started in the U.S. in 2005 and were adopted in Canada several years later by wives of Canadian soldiers.
Wilson, herself the wife of a military man and former resident at the Canadian Forces base in Petawawa, said there will be coffee served at the Arthur rally and door prizes as well to thank people for coming.
She noted the local Legion will be participating, as will local veterans and the families of several locals who are currently serving in Afghanistan.
When asked if she has a goal for attendance at the rally, Wilson just said she’s trying to attract as many patriotic residents as possible.
“I’m just trying to make people more aware of Red Fridays and encourage more people to wear red,” she said. “I think something from the most patriotic village would be pretty special.”
Anyone interested should gather outside Club 177 on Oct. 10 at 5:30pm. Wilson is currently trying to make alternate arrangements in case it rains.
For more information contact her at 519-848-6424. To learn more about Red Fridays visit the web site at redfridays.ca.
