Grant and Funding Programs Offered by 78th Fraser Highlanders Fort Fraser Garrison

The 78th Fraser Highlanders Fort Fraser Garrison in British Columbia and the Québec (Olde Fort St. Andrew’s) Garrison are part of a network of 13 garrisons that keep alive the history and traditions of the original 78th Highland Regiment. Fort Fraser Garrison operates through the 78th Fraser Highlanders Association of Vancouver, a duly registered charitable organisation whose purpose is to support youth and promote Scottish and Canadian history. While the garrisons are primarily historical and cultural, the Vancouver association also plays a modest but real role as a local funder.

The Fort Fraser Garrison channels charitable funds to youth‑oriented and educational initiatives in British Columbia. Examples highlighted on the site include support for Kidsafe Vancouver, which offers safe spaces and programming for vulnerable children when school is out; financial contributions to the Vancouver Heritage Fairs, encouraging Grade 7 students to research and present projects on Canadian history; and ongoing backing for Scottish‑Canadian history through the 78th Fraser Highlanders’ Prize for Scottish‑Canadian History at Simon Fraser University. The association also donates to uniform and training costs for the St. John Ambulance Cadet Corps in New Westminster.

Funding is directed mainly toward children, youth, and students in Metro Vancouver who engage with history, culture, and civic responsibility. Beneficiaries include school‑age children attending heritage fairs, university students studying Scottish‑Canadian history, and cadets receiving first‑aid and leadership training. These charitable activities complement the garrison’s public demonstrations at Highland Games and community events, which promote awareness of Scottish heritage and the historic role of the Fraser Highlanders in Canada.

The Québec Garrison is a non‑profit organisation that focuses on preserving and sharing Scottish and Canadian history in Québec City. Historically, member contributions across the garrisons helped finance the re‑creation of the regiment’s activities. Today, the Québec Garrison continues this mission through performances by its pipes and drums corps, historical interpretation by the Tartan Guard, and educational outreach, operating as the administrative body for the regional branch of the 78th Fraser Highlanders in Québec.

The modern 78th Fraser Highlanders were re‑created in the 1960s with government support linked to Expo 67, in partnership with the Stewart Museum in Montréal. Although no longer a military unit, the organisation adopted the 18th‑century regiment’s structure and symbolism to promote Canadian history and Scottish culture. As initial re‑creation grants ran out in the late 1970s, semi‑autonomous garrisons were formed across North America. Member dues and local fundraising helped sustain the activities of the Montréal headquarters and the wider network.

The Québec Garrison, founded by members of St. Andrew’s Church in 2002 who wished to establish a pipes and drums band, quickly added a broader historical and cultural dimension. Fort Fraser Garrison, based in British Columbia, similarly combines ceremonial, musical, and interpretive activities with its charitable association that funds youth and educational partners. Together, these garrisons contribute to a niche but meaningful funding ecosystem focused on heritage education, youth development, and the preservation of Scottish‑Canadian traditions.