The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation Donates $750,000 to Support Expansion and Preservation Initiatives
COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, France – June 04, 2024 – As the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy approaches, the Juno Beach Centre (JBC), Canada’s Second World War museum and memorial in Normandy, France, has announced an $11 million capital campaign to expand and preserve this vital Canadian landmark.
Led by the Juno Beach Centre Association (JBCA), this ambitious campaign aims to grow, preserve, and enhance the Centre, ensuring it remains a model of sustainability and historical stewardship. The effort has already received substantial support, including a notable $750,000 donation from the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation of Calgary, Alberta—the largest single gift from a private foundation in the Centre’s history.
In addition to Canadian support, French and European partners have committed a combined €1,800,000, including contributions from the Ministère des Armées and Région Normandie alongside REACT EU.
Protecting a Legacy
Two years ago, a major effort by Canadians prevented a condominium development that threatened the Juno Beach Centre. Over 65,000 Canadians wrote to politicians in Ottawa and France, resulting in a successful agreement to protect the site. This led to the development of “Project Concordia,” a collaborative initiative to safeguard the area’s historical integrity.
According to Don Cooper, President of the JBCA, this project aligns with the Centre’s sustainable development strategy and honors the Canadians who sacrificed their lives during the Second World War.
Expanding the Centre
The capital campaign includes plans for a $6.3-million, 450-square-meter expansion of the museum. This expansion will accommodate an eco-responsible boutique and café, increasing the Centre’s footprint by 25 percent to better serve the growing number of visitors.
“This is more than just a physical space,” said Cooper. “It provides an area for visitors to reflect, discuss, and integrate their experiences, supporting both the Centre’s sustainability goals and its educational mission.”
Call for Support
The JBCA is calling on Canadians to help raise the remaining $7.5 million needed to realize this vision by June 6, 2029, marking the 85th anniversary of D-Day. The campaign seeks support from individuals, corporations, and charitable organizations.
Ongoing Projects
The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation’s significant donation has already facilitated the renewal of the “Faces of Canada Today” gallery, showcasing how modern Veterans continue to uphold the values of stability, prosperity, and peace in contemporary Canada and the world. This gallery is dedicated to the memory of all Canadian Second World War Veterans.
About the Juno Beach Centre
Established in 2003, the Juno Beach Centre serves as a permanent memorial to the nearly 45,000 Canadians who died during the Second World War, including 5,500 during the Battle of Normandy. Owned and operated by the JBCA, the Centre has welcomed over 1.3 million visitors and is recognized as a site of national historic significance to Canada.
About the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation
Arthur J.E. Child was a prominent business leader and philanthropist. His foundation has donated nearly $150 million to various charitable causes, reflecting his dedication to personal improvement, discipline, and compassion.
For more information on the capital campaign, visit Juno Beach Centre Capital Campaign.
