7 November 2025 News Releases
‘Tis the season for giving back and this year Huntington University is proud to continue a tradition that has been part of the institution’s festive celebrations for nearly two decades. 2024 marks the17th year that Huntington University has celebrated the lighting of its Christmas tree, estimated to stand about 45-feet tall.
“I love this event and the reason that we continue to do this year after year! Our Huntington University tree lighting always includes a $2,500 donation to a community group. This also offers us an opportunity to raise public awareness of amazing work going on right here in Greater Sudbury by volunteers and organizations, such as The Veteran Peer Support Network (VPSN) of Greater Sudbury,” said Mary-Liz Warwick, Huntington University Board Chair. The work they are doing in supporting the wellbeing of local Veterans and their families is important, and deserving of this recognition and promotion.”
“This year, our President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kevin McCormick was celebrated for serving 12 years as an Honorary Colonel in Greater Sudbury, and appointed Honorary Colonel of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry Highlanders in Cornwall. In November, Huntington University presented an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters to Gen Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff of Canada,” said Dr. Scott Darling, Huntington University Board Vice-Chair. “As such, it seems appropriate that we choose this year to also light our tree in support of the The Veteran Peer Support Network of Greater Sudbury, a group dedicated to helping the men and women who have served our country.”
The Veteran Peer Support Network was established in Greater Sudbury five years ago and is comprised of 125 veterans and their spouses, most of whom are from the Sudbury area. The group regularly meets once a month to discuss Veterans’ issues, assist other Veterans with Veterans Affairs Canada case files, plan community events and bring in guest speakers for presentations on a variety of topics, including mental health. The Veteran Peer Support Network group of Veterans have a wide and varied amount of experience, and time served, but all share the common bond of serving their nation with pride.
“Whether it is assisting our homeless Veterans in Operation Leave the Streets Behind in finding more permanent housing, guiding struggling Veterans to the supports they need for mental health, or just doing a buddy phone check, the support network has become a valuable tool to the well-being of all Veterans and families,” said Mike Jensen, Veterans Housing Coordinator. “Thank you very much to Huntington University for this generous donation to our organization. It is through community caring partners, such as Huntington, that continues to allow us to do the work we do to make sure every Veteran leads the best life they can in the nation they were proud to serve.”
“Huntington University is proud to support The Veteran Peer Support Network with this year’s Tree Lighting donation,” said Dr. Kevin McCormick, Huntington’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “The Veteran Peer Support Network offers ongoing support throughout a Veteran’s life and also actively includes their members in events for Veterans and families. Through these events, and over time, Veterans often gain a sense of trust and become more willing to engage in dialogue, asking for help they may not have asked for otherwise. I take great pride in knowing that our university has a role to play, every festive season, in shining the spotlight on the dedicated and meaningful efforts of organizations such as this.”
Community members wishing to make a donation in support of The Veteran Peer Support Network can e-transfer to donations@v-eh.ca .