Squadron Sponsoring Committee
The squadron’s support crew
The staff fly the mission with the cadets. We make sure the aircraft is fuelled, funded and ready.
How the squadron is funded
Why the committee exists
The cadet program costs far more to run than government funding covers. That gap is exactly why the Sponsoring Committee exists. No cadet pays a fee to join or participate, and every dollar we raise gives our staff the means to broaden the activities and opportunities offered to our cadets.
Department of National Defence
- Officers and staff
- Training program and curriculum
- Uniforms
- Summer training and national activities
Air Cadet League of Canada
- National and provincial oversight
- Insurance
- Flying and glider scholarships
Our Sponsoring Committee
- Facilities, equipment and supplies
- Band, range, awards, banquets and more
Who we are
Volunteers, not military
- A committee of civilian volunteers: supporters of the program, parents and guardians
- Chartered by the Air Cadet League of Canada to sponsor 80 K-W Spitfire Squadron
- We hold no rank, wear no uniform and give no orders to cadets
- Officers are elected by the membership each year at the Annual General Meeting
- We meet monthly, and meetings are generally open to the public
- We work alongside the Commanding Officer, never above or below
- We answer to the Air Cadet League of Canada, Ontario Provincial Committee
What we do
How we support the squadron
Facilities and equipment
Secure the training space and keep the squadron supplied and equipped.
Fundraising and finances
Raise and manage the money the local program runs on.
Transportation
Arrange and fund travel to activities, competitions and events.
Community liaison
Represent the squadron to sponsors, legions and the wider community.
Recruiting and welcome
Promote the squadron and help new cadets and families settle in.
Recognition
Fund awards, banquets and the celebration of cadet achievement.
What we do not do
Clear roles protect cadets
Keeping these roles separate protects cadets and keeps everyone clear on who decides what. Training questions go to the Commanding Officer and their staff; funding and facility questions come to us.
The Sponsoring Committee does not
- Deliver training, drill or instruction
- Discipline cadets or manage their conduct
- Decide promotions, awards or summer course selection
- Supervise cadets during training nights
- Direct the Commanding Officer or squadron staff
That belongs to the CO and staff
- The training program and its delivery
- Cadet conduct and the chain of command
- Merit review, promotions and course recommendations
- Day-to-day supervision and cadet safety
- Direction of CAF and civilian instructor staff
Committee members
Who sits on the committee
Chair
Rylan Cottrell
Leads the committee, sets the agenda and is the primary civilian contact for the Commanding Officer.
Vice-Chair
David Norster
Supports the Chair and steps in when the Chair is unavailable.
Treasurer
Rupan Chowdhury, CD
Manages the bank account, budget and financial reporting.
Secretary
Mike Shipley
Records minutes, handles correspondence and keeps our records.
Member-at-Large
Michal Cottrell
A parent and volunteer who takes on projects and staffs events.
Member-at-Large
Krysti O’Kelly
A parent and volunteer who takes on projects and staffs events.
Air Cadet League Director
Captain (Ret’d) Sharon Tambeau
The squadron’s Air Cadet League of Canada director.
Directors are elected each year at the Annual General Meeting. Any SSC member is eligible to stand.
Get involved
Many hands make a strong squadron
- Come to a meeting. We meet monthly and every parent or guardian is welcome. Listen in, ask questions, no commitment.
- Get screened. Complete the Air Cadet League volunteer screening. We will walk you through it.
- Choose how to help. Tag days, the annual banquet, transportation, or stand for an officer role at the Annual General Meeting.
Questions? Email our Chair at 080.chairperson@aircadetleague.on.ca.