Proud to be Strong & Free: enter our Canada Day giveaway!

By / Par: Isabelle Remy

2012-06-21 20:00:00

Category / Catégorie: From Isabelle

I'm a proud Canadian. (I'm also a French-speaking, "pure wool", 12th generation Quebecer, which always makes for an interesting mix!).

I would like you to meet another proud Canadian: Denise Dow from Saint-John, NB. Denise is the creator and the force behind Strong & Free, an emblem she created for Canadians to show their pride. The emblem was first imagined in Denise's backyard, inspired by leaves fallen from her beautiful maple tree and by our national anthem. It's a beautiful symbol for Canada, and one that deserves to be better known.

In business for almost five years now, Denise has succeeded in getting some of her Canadian-made Stanfield's licensed apparel into Sears stores across the country this year for Canada Day. Quite an accomplishment and something to be very proud of! Well done, Denise!

And best of all, they are currently on SALE at your local Sears store for $14.99 a piece, but only while supplies last! So get yours today! Or, you could actually win a set....keep reading...!

Coming this Fall, Denise is introducing THE quintessential Canadian loungewear: the Onesie! Made in Nova Scotia by iconic Stanfield's, it's sure to be a hit! Orders are rushing in, and the product has not even been launched officially yet (value: $67)! But you could win one....read on...!

In honour of Canada Day, we have teamed up with Denise to bring you an exclusive and totally awesome Strong & Free giveaway! Up for grabs, (in addition to the items above):

Decorative house plaque made in Quebec. Crafted in 3D aluminum and hand-painted with an antique finish. A beautiful addition to your home, cottage or business. (value: $99)

Canadian Pride replica hockey jersey made in Quebec. - 100% Polyester AK Knit jersey with sublimated maple leaf design. Available in red or white. (value: $109)

Pewter items made in Nova Scotia by Aitkens Pewter. Belt buckle, keychain, ornament and lapel pin (value: $ 46)

Strong & Free patch, 100% made in Canada! $4.00 from each patch sold is donated to the V.E.T.S., the reason why we are Strong & Free today! Lest we forget. (value: $10)

Color Me Canadian! coloring book. Learn all about Canada in English and French with this fun learning book that covers this great country from sea to sea to sea! (value: $6.50)

Over $350 worth of awesome patriotic goodies made in Canada! How great is that, eh?

To enter the giveaway, do as many of the three following things as possible, as they each count for one entry. The more, the merrier (and luckier)!

Leave us a comment below telling us what you love most about Canada (Comments are moderated, so don't panic if your comment doesn't show up right away!);
Follow us on Twitter and tweet the following: @BuyCndianFirst + @StrongAndFreeEm love #madeincanada. I entered their #CanadaDay #giveaway here: http://bit.ly/Men0Ek

Like us on Facebook.

The giveaway ends on Saturday, June 30th at 5:00 PM ET. We will pick one name at random from all entries and the winner will be announced on Canada Day, Sunday July 1st.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER: EVA, FROM EDMONTON, AB.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED. YOUR COMMENTS WERE TRULY INSPIRATIONAL!

Good luck!

Images courtesy of Strong & Free.

Tags / Balises: Behind the Brand Buy Canadian Canada Day Contest giveaway Made in Canada

Comments / Commentaires

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
so sad to have missed this competition! As one of your British fans of your onesie - i give you big respect for a classic and great looking products. I'd love to review it for you here in the UK and spread the word...

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because where else in the world do people take the time to thank their bus driver, their postman, their paperboy, and anyone that does a good turn? I love being a Canadian because we have the most beautiful country and such a variety of landscapes one could never see it all! We are Canadian and we are proud that our ancestors chose this place and made it what it is today! Strong & Free!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for the great Rocky Mountains in the west and the little bitty Laurentians in the east

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for the invention of the beaver tail!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for the CBC!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for its willingness to help in the world

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for its freedoms and its beauty.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because of all the wonderful people.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because we are open and accepting of all. We have pride for our country but don't want to push that down anyone's face. We are far too polite for that!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I like our national anthem - especially the French version

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Keep keeping it real! Made in Canada rocks! I love the air we breathe

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for its healthcare, diversity and acceptance.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love that there are three "EHs" in Canada!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love outdoor skating on the Rideau Canal - nothing like it.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love our great outdoors...the ocean, mountains, trees, and natural beauty. It is so great to be able to explore it wheather you run, bike or hike!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the winter sports

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love how accepting MOST people are of others.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love montreal smoked meat

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the balance between free markets and social justice in Canada

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the East Coast hospitality and music

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the two languages French and English

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for is natural beauty, the four seasons and the great people..

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love this country because we are one of the most tolerant people in the world. We are knowledgeable and care bout what is going on everywhere.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
When I am at a sporting event and the national athem is played I sing loud and proud and my family gets embarassed. But I continue on because it makes me happy.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
i love our vastness....and geographical diversity

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada, the people are beautiful and proud! My great-great grandfather founded a settlement only 2 hours away from where I live today, yup, I am proud to be Canadian!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada's wilderness and beauty!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for the CAMPING! We enjoy going out and finding a spot and camping where no one knows where you are! Canada has some of the most BEAUTIFUL places to see! Proud to be CANADIAN!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
What I love about Canada is that we have the freedom to be whomever we choose to be.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the fact that Canada is so accepting of diversity. I have always been proud and grateful to live in Canada, especially when you hear some of the dreadful things that go on in other countries!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the beautiful scenery in Canada.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the boreal forests and inky black nights skies, so filled with stars that constellations are hard to find.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I Love Canada for it's Diverse Landscape, Diverse People, Four different Seasons, Clean Water, Clean Air and Health Care. What more could you ask for.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the change in seasons; something to look forward to even if it's snow!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada has so much to offer. Where to start with what I love about Canada? I love our freedom, our vast country of differing so many climates and styles of living...

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
What I love about Canada is the beauty and the diversity of the landscape and natural world. There are things that take my breath away every day. Happy Canada Day everyone!!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Caaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaa (sing) how i love theeeeeeee 1. health care 2. 4 seasons (summer is the best of course) 3. our clean enviroment 4. our generosity 5. our animal care 6. our peaceful country 7. AND I'M PROUD TO BE A CANADIAN EH !!!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
What I love about Canada: CBC radio, low crime rate, few firearms, friendly people, healthcare.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
My favourite part of Canada is how diverse we are. Not only the people but the landscape!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the health care and the change of seasons..

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because we are full of friendly fun people that are acceptive of everyone! :) ksceviour at hotmail dot com

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
The thing I like most about Canada is the Great Outdoors. There are more lakes, rivers, mountains, plains, coastline, glaciers, bears, wolves, deer, cougars, and other wild life than almost anywhere else in the world.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because of multiculturalism, feeling of safety, good music, the green movement

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the vastness of our country and the diversity. We are fortunate to live in a country so rich in natural resources and to be able to live our lives as we want.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the landscape and the seasons

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Whenever i travel outside of Canada i always long to come back home, I am Canadian through and through and am proud of this country

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the vast openness of the land. Freedom we enjoy. Pride we have being Canadian.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because of our acceptance of different races, religions and lifestyles. I also love that we can travel anywhere in the world and be accepted because of our Canadian status! I just love being Canadian lol thanks nancyrobster at gmail dot com

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love how no matter where you go, you still feel at home. From Vancouver to Halifax, Calgary to Toronto, Canadians give a feeling of warmth I haven't found anywhere else. What's great about Canada? Everything. We may not have the greatest or newest 'stuff', but Canada isn't about 'stuff'. It is about warm people and majestic beauty.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Freedom of speech, the people, the scenery!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love that we are known around the world as being polite.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I AM CANADIAN! I am proud to be Canadian. I have traveled enough to see that although a young country Canada totally rocks. As a Canadian woman I am blessed to be able to speak freely, dress as I wish, marry whom I love, dance in the moonlight, receive education, enjoy the great wonderful outdoors from coast to coast. Each province offers so many wonderful experiences. C ultural diversity A wesome N atural beauty A lluring D istinct seasons A utonomy

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the variety of accents you find in our country.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Sadly, the things that I love most about Canada are now at risk: universal healthcare, social safety net, our good reputation as leaders in environmental conservation and peacekeeping, and our vast and varied natural wilderness.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because its so beautiful and spacious! I feel safe in Canada; there's no place I'd rather be!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love our graciousness.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the nature of Canada. I love that people can express their opinion freely.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love our diverse landscapes and people.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
We are have a distinct sense of humour, based on the ability to intelligently laugh at ourselves.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the kindness of strangers across Canada. I've travelled quite a bit and can always tell a fellow Canadian by their friendly smile and eagerness to lend a helping hand. I like you on facebook and tweeted https://twitter.com/asmithonline/status/217853770061713408 Happy Canada Day!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because its Breath taking & filled with unique people :)

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada is about freedom. Of co-existence. Of tolerance for others. We are a nation of peoples proud to be unique and proud to share many cultures together under one flag. We are peaceful. We are prosperous. We are a doer in the world, a nation known for moderation and for goodwill. We are Canadians, whose flag can be worn anywhere in the world and recognized with a smile.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
i love the land, the people and lifestyles...

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
because the opportunities are endless and you can do whatever you want

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because of its majestic beauty, and the gentleness of its people.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canadians are luckiest folks in the world! We get to live in an AMAZING country filled with phenomenal people! Our country is so beautiful...what's not to love!! I'm now following you on Facebook and Twitter too!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
i love canada because i was born here and it is wayy nicer than the states, and my daughter was born on canada day!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because it is so beautiful and diverse.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
great health care and love those blue jays.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
That where ever in the world I have travelled they respect Canada

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada's health care may not be perfect but is still really great!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada! I would not want to live anywhere else, people are so nice, the land is beautiful, so many animals!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada is just so beautiful. From coast to coast there is such diversity of people, landscapes and there is such a decency in Canadian people. Proud, patriotic folks!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the health care that we receive in Canada

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love not locking our doors, not hearing any gunshots, and that we still report every murder. I ran into some people from Detroit, and these were their 3 favorite things they enjoyed best while here on vacation. I had to take pause,get down on the ground, and kiss our fertile, gentle soil, and give thqnks for being Canadian. Canada,

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada. It is my home and the home of my ancestors. I love the plains, the Canadian shield, the mountains, lakes and rivers. There is no other country as beautiful as Canada.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
What I love about canada is our patriotic people and the diversity of them. I also love our land and mountains. I love that everyone in canada for the most part is very friendly.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the people, the weather, the scenery. Best country!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada Rocks! The country is so diverse from one end to another, but everywhere you go the people are awesome :)

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because the Summer and Fall are so beautiful

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because we can go to sleep at night knowing that our freedoms are protected and honoured. Followed, liked, and tweeted!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because I am free and because I love the beautiful landscape and weather!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
First off, I am a Canadian Ambassador for Buy Canadian First and my healthblog is all Canadian content. Canada stands for strong and free people. We are free to express our feelings in an organized environment, our healthcare is taxed but remains available for all. We are proud people and have always celebrated our patriotism in quiet celebration until the Winter Olympics 2010, we are loud and proud and know how to party!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada is good for the coffee, the arts, and the open spaces to enjoy both!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I am proud to be a Canadian. I live where I get to embrace all four seasons (sometimes all in one day!) To be a Canadian we need to experience the many different cultures and welcome that we are all special.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Like you on Facebook (as Bree Janke)

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
follow on twitter tweet: https://twitter.com/freebreeluv/status/217086640915623937

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the freedom and beauty of Canada!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I like meeting people from different backgrounds in Canada

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for it's diversity! Not only in the people, but in the geography, the history, even the weather!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love how friendly and helpful Canadians are.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
i love the rideau canal.... i can see it below my office window!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love meadow lake provincial park

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the people, the diversity, the fabulous scenery, the great places to go like Fundy National Park, Stonehammer Geopark and much much more!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada is a beautiful country, welcoming and peaceful.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
fREEDOM. I was widowed for 24 years - and travelled the world - and saw the conditions that women live under in other countries. We have it so much better here.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for so very many reasons; for our kind and generous society, our multicultural diversity, for the beauty of our wide open spaces, for our strong health and education systems, and who can forget the maple leaf, the toque, hockey, poutine, Wayne Gretzky, Michael J. Fox, Nellie McClung, and Tim Horton's?! Go Canada! You rock!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
What I like most about Canada is that I can go to church without the fear that someone will come and take me away in the middle of the night... FREEDOM !!!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for all of its beauty. This country is absolutely gorgeous from one coast to the next!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Very proud to be a Canadian , great country . Always fly our flag and think more should fly the flag in our country

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I like Canadian long-weekends

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Canada is the best Country in the world. Proud to be Canadian. You can travel coast to coast and see beautyful scenery and friendly people.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for so many reasons, but the best part is being able to be free to take my children around the country and show them all the cool things that make us Canadian ;)

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
As a newcomer to Canada I love how friendly people are and how welcome we have been made

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
The best about being Canadian and living in Canada is the fishing is the best so many lakes and rivers and the Salmon here is terrific-my gf send me the link thanks nice layout on the website

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for so many reason but the main one is our weather and the freedom we have, I love camping and fishing and there is lots of it where I live and all over Canada for that reason it is my favorite plus red is my favorite color so that is perfect, I joined your twitter and fb thanks so much-would love to have this and be very proud to display everything

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love how polite Canadians are :) Most people in Canada are kind and good hearted.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
There are so many things to love about Canada. We are so lucky to live here. There is the freedom, the generosity and the honesty of our people. We get to enjoy all 4 seasons, fabulous scenery, and exciting cities. We have clean water and excellent health care. Visit anywhere else in the world (especially next door) and then give thanks that you are Canadian.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Travelling to other countries is a sure way to learn to appreciate living in Canada.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because it is THE land of opportunity and we take care of each other! Of course there are some exceptions, but generally I think we are kind, generous, and charitable to others even if they aren't Canadian.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because each province is SO different. There are so many things to see all over this beautiful country!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I'm Canadian by choice and I'm proud to be part of such a large country that includes people of different backgrounds united under one flag.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada for it's natural beauty

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I AM CANADIAN - and proud of it. My husband and I teach our 8 year old Evan, the values and the blessings that we have in Canada. We have FREEDOM, PATRIOTISM, INTEGRITY, PRIDE, MAPLE SYRUP, LOBSTER, LIGHTHOUSES, COMMUNITY SPIRIT....list can go on endlessly. Followed on Twitter and liked on Facebook. Ty for the giveaway, MADE IN CANADA Eva, George & Evan Urban

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love that Canada is a tolerant country

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love canada because I was born in that country and speak French

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
What I love most about Canada is it's diversity in it's people, cultures and landscape.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love Canada because we are Strong & Free, and usually are the peacemakers of the world. We have clean water, clean air and we are free from legislated discrimination. Our geography is as diverse as our people.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
Where to start! The warmth of her people, her mind-blowing recreation, her dramatic landscape, her music, her vastness for me to escape into, her economy backed by her resources, her integrity of spirit and her mind-blowing natural beauty.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I like Canada because we are strong and free.

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
I love the 4 distinct seasons!

2012-07-07 23:05:27 By / Par: MikeNorth
i love Canada because we get to experience 4 distinct seasons, and a variety of weather.