Calgary, Alberta
Raymond McKay is nominated for his dedication to Veterans shown through his Facebook group “Hoggin’ Alberta.”
The group was created to promote conservation and hunting of wild boars but quickly morphed into a site dedicated to Veterans’ well-being and mental health. Through his page, he has raised funds, garnered support, rallied volunteers and established relationships with Veterans in his area. He provides a free “outdoor experience and sanctuary” to the Veterans, often using his own resources.
Over the years since Hoggin’ Alberta was started, he has provided, at no expense to Veterans, hunting, camping, outdoor and fishing excursions to over 30 Veterans in central Alberta. He runs online auctions and raffles of hunting and fishing equipment and apparel to fund the Veterans’ activities and to provide financial relief. He has helped seek employment opportunities for Veterans using his social network. He has gone out of his way to help Veterans in need in any way he can.
He now has established relationships with the Veterans’ Food Bank, One Connection Alberta and Ronald McDonald House, and has made financial donations to all of these causes via Hoggin’ Alberta.