VETS Canada kicks off Operation Holiday Helping Hands

Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada) is rolling out their third annual Operation Holiday Helping Hands throughout the month of December.

It’s a coast-to-coast outreach initiative to support and help less-fortunate Canadians and to ensure those who served the country are not forgotten during the holidays.

VETS Canada volunteers will be helping out at local shelters and drop-in centres and volunteering for the general good of the community across the country. They will also be co-ordinating a gift card drive for veterans in need.

“As the holidays draw near, it is easy to forget the fact that thousands of Canadians are struggling to eat and stay warm, including those who have served to protect our country,” says Jim Lowther, VETS Canada’s president and CEO.

“This national initiative encourages much-needed dialogue regarding the ongoing issues of homelessness and food insecurity amongst Canadian veterans and civilians alike, while also providing a chance for community members to step up and help those in need.”

Regarding the gift card drive, Lowther adds, “It’s amazing what something as simple as a gift card can mean to a veteran who is struggling during the holidays. To a veteran in need, it isn’t just a gift card; it’s proof that Canadians care and that they aren’t forgotten.”

VETS Canada is encouraging all Canadians to get involved in Operation Holiday Helping Hands.

How can people get involved?

• Volunteer this month in your community to help those in need and tag or tweet your pictures using @Vetscanada.

• Donate to a veteran in need:

• Mail a gift card to VETS Canada at 53 Queen St., P.O. Box 214, Dartmouth, B2Y 3Y3.

• Mail a cheque with “Gift Card Drive” written on the memo line.

• Donate online at VETSCanada.org/donate.

• Share the event on social media using @Vetscanada.

Learn more at VETSCanada.org.