VETS Canada has launched two campaigns to address the rising need for emergency services for veterans in crisis.
According to a news release from the Veterans Emergency Transition Services (VETS), there's been a 143 per cent increase in calls for help from Canadian veterans. Issues stem from homelessness to general financial problems and/or service-related injuries.
"Although we are doing everything possible to help all of these veterans, we are having to stretch each and every dollar in attempts to meet this emerging need," said Jim Lowther, VETS Canada CEO and president, in the release.
VETS Canada launched the fundraising campaign Small Change Means Big Change. Canadians are asked to donate a dollar a day to help provide access to housing, food, family programs and lifelines that could prevent suicide.
VETS has also partnered with the national charity association True Patriot Love to launch the Captain Nichola Goddard Support Initiative for Female Veterans in Crisis. Female vets can be forced into unique situations that require a specialized approach.
Debbie Lowther, VETS chair, said female vets can face psychological and physical damages from military sexual trauma, domestic violence and the stresses of being a primary caregiver.
This initiative is named for Capt. Nichola Goddard, the first female soldier to die in a combat role for Canada. She was killed at age 26 during an ambush west of Kandahar city in Afghanistan in 2006.
The veterans of St. Albert
St. Albert has strong community support for our veterans. Since 1976, the St. Albert Legion has honoured and supported the military families in our community. Currently, the Legion has more than 700 members.Troy Deatrich, Legion president and service officer, said he meets with vets regularly. He listens to their problems and directs them to programs and services that can help.
"Anything that VETS Canada does, I'm a huge supporter of. I think it's a fantastic organization," Deatrich said.
"To try to help people realize that, yeah, we do have these problems. Anything that can get that message out there to people in the community is huge."
Deatrich was medically released from the military in 2011 after 22 years of service; he deals with service-related injuries that affect his life every day. Two years ago, he put in a claim at Veteran Affairs for a pension review on a shoulder injury. He's still waiting for a response.
"Anything you can get in short-term emergency situations is great," he said.
Vets can apply for emergency funds through the Legion. Typically, the funds come in the form of a $300 gift card. Deatrich said the programs offered through VETS Canada can go beyond what the Legion can give.
"We're all trying to help each other, so anything each organization can give is a valued benefit for the vets who truly need that assistance."
To donate, visit www.vetscanada.org/donate.
