October 29, 2015, Thank you meal paid for by Red Ribbon Forces

Eleanor Bookman (second from left) and Brian Goodfellow (right), founders of Red Ribbon Forces, treated military personnel to dinner at Scores restaurant in Cornwall. Also pictured in front is SD&G Highlanders acting commanding officer Jason Steeves and Stephane April, one of the restaurant owners, on Thursday October 29, 2015 in Cornwall, Ont.

Nobody shows their support for the troops like Eleanor Bookman and Brian Goodfellow.

The founders of Red Ribbon Forces had an appreciation night at Scores restaurant in Cornwall on Thursday, with about a dozen military personnel being treated to dinner.

"It's just a way to informally say thank you," Goodfellow said.

Added Bookman: "They deserve much more than we can give them."

A handful of years ago in Bonville, Goodfellow and Bookman had 150 soldiers in uniform out at a thank you breakfast.

They hope the dinner, starting out on a smaller scale, could become an annual event - and public support will help the cause.

"The money generated (from sales of ribbons) all goes back to the troops, to different causes," Goodfellow said.

Most of the guests on Thursday were reservists with the SD&G Highlanders, as well as personnel from the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Control Operations.

"It's a pretty incredible night, a great opportunity for us," said SD&G Highlanders acting commanding officer Jason Steeves. "On one side of the coin, it's great to be appreciated. On the other side, it reminds us of our connection to the community - as a primary reserve unit, we exist because of the community.

"We're developing more connections (in the region) in which we work . . . we're part of the community, and the community is part of us."

Bookman and Goodfellow noted Scores in Cornwall was the first restaurant in the city and offer discounted meals for the troops.

Stephane April, one of the restaurant owners, said "it's a pleasure for us to do it," and he told the troops "thanks for everything you do."

Goodfellow and Bookman founded the Red Ribbon Forces campaign in 2006. Both retired and looking for something to do together, their first project was to help raise money for the Kinette Club of Cornwall, which was raising funds for a "Chosen Soldier Project" to send care packages to Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

Bookman and Goodfellow raised $7,000, and through extensive travelling and fundraising across the country over the years they've donated over $54,000 to worthy causes.

Earlier this month, Goodfellow was at Galaxy Cinemas in Cornwall, handing out Support Our Troops red ribbons to movie-goers taking in the Canadian film "Hyena Road," a drama that delves into the complicated world of modern warfare and this country's military involvement in Afghanistan.

Story by: Todd Hambleton Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network

Image and story used with permission courtesy of Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network

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