Upcoming Restoration Events

Not at all! The vast majority of our volunteers have never cleaned a headstone before

their first event. We provide comprehensive direction at the beginning of every event,

including:

• Proper cleaning techniques that protect the stone
• Approved cleaning solutions and tools
• Safety guidelines and best practices
• When to ask for help

You'll have experienced coordinators on-site throughout the event. Most first-time

volunteers tell us they felt confident and comfortable within the first 10-15 minutes. If you can hold a brush and care about honoring veterans, you're qualified.

Yes—and we hope you will! Operation Restoration is proudly family-friendly because we believe the next generation of Canadians needs to understand what was sacrificed for the freedoms they enjoy today.

Why bringing children matters:

When children kneel beside a headstone and read "Private James Thompson, Age 19,

Died June 6, 1944," something profound happens. They begin to understand that their

ability to play freely, speak openly, and live safely came at an enormous cost. These

weren't just names in a history book—they were real people, often barely older than

today's teenagers, who gave everything for Canada's future.

This hands-on experience teaches children about service, sacrifice, and gratitude in a

way no classroom lesson can replicate. You're not just cleaning a stone—you're passing

the torch of remembrance to the next generation.

Age guidelines with supervision:

Ages 5-10: Perfect for lighter tasks like carrying supplies, rinsing stones with water, and—most importantly—reading veterans' names aloud. Saying those names keeps

memories alive. Parent supervision required.

Ages 11-14: Can actively participate in cleaning with guidance, working alongside

parents or coordinators. Many become deeply engaged with the stories behind the

headstones.

Ages 15+: Can work independently after training and often become some of our most

passionate, dedicated volunteers. Some teens return year after year and eventually

become event coordinators.

What parents tell us:

"Our kids asked more questions about war, service, and sacrifice in the car ride home

than in years of school lessons combined."

"My daughter researched 'her' veteran online afterward and wrote about him for a school

project. She visits his grave on Remembrance Day now."

"This experience taught my son gratitude in a way I never could with words alone."

The conversations that happen after these events—in your car, at your dinner table, on

Remembrance Day—are part of Operation Restoration's lasting legacy. We're not just

restoring headstones; we're restoring the connection between generations of Canadians.

Bring your children. Let them see what service looks like. Let them understand what was

given for them.

The work is gentle to moderate physical activity that most people find manageable:

What's involved:

• Bending and kneeling
• Light scrubbing with soft-bristle brushes
• Carrying buckets of water (typically 1-2 gallons)
• Walking on cemetery grounds

Accessibility: We have volunteers ranging from young children to retirees in their 70s

and 80s. You can work at your own pace, take breaks whenever needed, and choose

headstones that match your comfort level. Some volunteers prefer to work in teams,

making the physical aspect even easier.

If you have mobility concerns or specific accessibility needs, please let us know when

you register—we'll ensure you can participate meaningfully.

WEAR:

• Weather-appropriate clothing (mornings can be cool, afternoons warm)
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty or wet
• Clothes that can get splashed with water and cleaning solution
• Hat and sunscreen (spring/summer events)
• Warm jacket and gloves (fall events)

BRING:

• Your own refillable water bottle (stations available on-site)
• Snacks if you get hungry between breaks
• Camera or phone to document your experience (optional but encouraged)

WE PROVIDE:

• All cleaning supplies (brushes, approved solutions, buckets, sponges)
• Refreshments water and light snacks)
• First aid kit and coordinators trained in first aid

Most restoration events run 3 to 5 hours depending on the cemetery size and number of volunteers.

Can't stay the whole time? No problem! Every headstone cleaned makes a difference.

Just inform the event coordinator when you arrive so we can assign you appropriately.

Some volunteers come for just an hour, others stay the entire time—both are equally

valuable.

Light rain or overcast skies: Events proceed as planned. Actually, overcast days are ideal for headstone cleaning! Just dress accordingly.

Severe weather (thunderstorms, extreme heat/cold warnings, heavy rain): We'll postpone and reschedule.

How you'll know:

• Email notification sent 24 hours before the event if we need to reschedule
• Updated information on our Facebook page

Severe weather dates: All registered volunteers are automatically transferred to the new date (you can opt out if the new date doesn't work).

Check your email the evening before your event for any last-minute updates.

Volunteering is completely free. There are no registration fees, equipment costs, or hidden charges. We provide everything you need for the day.

What we provide at no cost:

• All cleaning supplies and equipment (buckets, water and approved cleansers)
• The day briefing
• Refreshments (water and light snacks)
• Commemorative thank-you for participation

Optional donations: While volunteering is free, we're a registered non-profit that accepts non monetary donations such as supplies and equipment. If you'd like to support our work please reach out by email—but this is completely optional and never expected.

Yes! We enthusiastically welcome corporate teams, scout troops, school groups, faith

communities, and other organizations. Group volunteering is an excellent team-building

activity that creates lasting impact.

For groups of 10 or more, we can set up a separate event. Please contact us at least 10

weeks in advance so we can:

• Ensure adequate supplies and equipment
• Arrange group photo opportunities
• Provide customized briefings if desired
• Issue group volunteer certificates or letters for your organization

We use several criteria to select restoration sites:

Cemetery Selection:

• Presence of Canadian military veterans' and RCMP graves
• Visible weathering and maintenance needs
• Cemetery administrator cooperation and permission
• Accessibility for volunteers
• Historical significance
• Community nominations and suggestions
• Headstone Prioritization:
• Government-issued military headstones (federal property)
• Visible weathering: algae, moss, lichen, dirt buildup
• Fading inscriptions that risk becoming unreadable
• Sections with multiple veterans needing care
• Requests from family members or descendants

Know a cemetery that needs our help? We accept suggestions from the community! Use

our "Suggest a Cemetery" form on the Volunteer page. We review all submissions and reach out when we can organize an event at that location.

Our goal is to eventually reach every cemetery across Canada where veterans rest.

Here's exactly what to expect after you complete your registration:

Within 24 hours:

• Confirmation email with event details
• Calendar invite (to add to your phone/computer)

Seven days and three days before the event:

● Detailed email with:

• Exact meeting location and parking information
• Event coordinator contact information
• Map and directions

One day before the event:

• Reminder email
• Any last-minute changes

Day of event:

• Show up 15 minutes before start time
• Quick check-in event lead
• Participate in direction briefing
• Begin honoring veterans!

After the event:

• Access to event photos (posted to our website/social media)
• Impact report (how many headstones restored)
• Invitation to future events
• Thank you message from our team

Questions before the event? Reply to any of our emails or contact us at operationrestoration@allaroundperformance.ca or 780-937-1740

Yes! We follow approved protocols established by Veterans Affairs Canada and

cemetery preservation experts.

Our methods:

• Use only approved, pH-neutral cleaning solutions that won't damage stone
• Soft natural or nylon bristle brushes (never hard wire brushes or power washers)
• Gentle circular motions to avoid scratching
• Pre-wetting and pre-degreasing stones to prevent solution absorption
• Thorough rinsing to remove all cleaning agents

We never use:

• Bleach or harsh chemicals
• Power washers or pressure washers
• Abrasive tools or metal brushes
• Household cleaners not approved for stone

For historic or fragile stones: Our coordinators identify headstones that require extra

care or professional conservation. Some stones are documented but not cleaned if

they're too delicate.