VETS Canada rolls out annual holiday effort

Veterans Emergency Transition Services Canada (VETS Canada) will be rolling out its second annual Operation Holiday Helping Hands, Dec. 3-9.

It’s a coast-to-coast outreach initiative to support and aid the less fortunate Canadians and to ensure those who served their country are not forgotten during the holidays. VETS Canada will be helping out at local shelters and dropin centres and volunteering for the general good of the community across the country, and will also be co-ordinating a gift card drive for veterans in need.

Jim Lowther, VETS Canada’s president and CEO, said the initiative encourages dialogue regarding ongoing issues such as homelessness and food insecurity among Canadian veterans and civilians alike while also providing a chance for Canadians to help those in need.

“Regarding the gift card drive,’’ Lowther said, “it’s amazing what something as small 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.’’

The public can volunteer at their local shelter or drop-in centre between Dec. 3-9, by tweeting @vetscanada or send pictures to vetscanada@gmail.com. Gift cards can be mailed to VETS Canada at 53 Queen St., P.O. Box 214, Dartmouth, N.S., B2Y 3Y3. People can also mail a cheque with “Gift Card Drive’’ written on the memo line or donate online at http://vetscanada.org/donate.php.