As community members gathered together at the Cenotaph downtown Lethbridge on Saturday, November 11th, we raised our voices to sing O’Canada, and bowed our heads for a moment of silence for those lost in wars past, and those who served and live in suffering.
Following the Cenotaph Services, it was a privilege to join the Grand Opening of The Veteran’s Association Lethbridge, at 242 12 B Street North. There I spoke with facilitator, John Limb and his team about the new Veteran’s Food Bank & Resource Centre, and how the organization will provide the needed supports to our veterans.
The association anticipates serving about 30 veterans and families in Lethbridge. Other locations in Alberta include Calgary, Edmonton and Grand Prairie. Please follow the link for more information. https://veteransassociation.ca/
I hold a deep reverence for veterans and those who are willing to lay their lives on the line for our freedom. Perhaps this is why I so passionately stand with those who continue to fight for our freedoms in Canada today.
Sadly, the men and women who stood to protect us are left vulnerable, and often forgotten by many in our society. The government lacks compassion and disregards the sacrifice they have made. With little financial support, increasing cost of living and the struggle to heal from traumas incurred by war, many are taken over by hunger, homelessness, and addictions.
It is our turn to stand up, to support and show compassion for the men and women who have served our Country.
Thousands of veterans seek out help from food banks across Canada. In Calgary alone, the Veterans Food Bank of Alberta sees at least 100 every month. This number is significant and highlights the need for more support for veterans, especially those struggling to make ends meet. (https://veteransfoodbankalberta.ca/?18&post=2)
“Veterans are two to three times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population and are disproportionately represented among individuals experiencing homelessness.” (McGill.ca)
“The rate of episodic homelessness was 15.7% among Veterans, which is almost double that of non-Veterans.” (homelesshub.ca)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can be a debilitating condition that affects all aspects of a person's life. (https://veteransfoodbankalberta.ca/?18&post=4)