As the temperature drops this Remembrance Day, take a moment to remember Canada’s veterans whenever your furnace kicks in. For those who have seen combat, having a working thermostat is a necessity not only for physical comfort but for emotional health, too.
That’s what the team at Veterans’ House Canada discovered back when they were in the planning stages for their Ottawa project, the Andy Carswell Building, which offers affordable, permanent housing to formerly homeless veterans from across Canada. Completed in 2021, the 40-unit building boasts an onsite vegetable garden, suites that come equipped with kitchen utensils and bedding, and, yes, a thermostat for temperature control.
“Overheating can cause PTSD to reoccur,” says Angella Rawsthorne, the organization’s fund development manager, explaining that some vets require cooler rooms to avoid symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
After consulting with a doctor who was a veteran himself, Veterans’ House changed their heating plan to incorporate his recommendation despite the added cost. “It was such a tiny consideration that makes a huge difference now,” Rawsthorne adds.
Freedom and service
Canadian donors can also make a difference for veterans and military members who are currently part of the Canadian Armed Forces. Whether that’s through a named sponsorship, a charitable bequest or even a golf fundraiser or gala, donors have many ways to give back to the men and women who willingly put themselves in harm’s way.
“It is always hard to choose between causes, and people should align their giving with their own values and priorities,” says Nick Booth, CEO of True Patriot Love, a national charity aimed at supporting military members, veterans and their families.
“Canadians enjoy the freedoms and democracy to live, work and prosper because of the voluntary service of our Canadian Armed Forces,” he adds. “Because our military step forward to serve, both at home and abroad, we all continue to enjoy the lifestyle this preserves.”
Booth calls supporting military and veterans when they become ill or injured through their service “a moral and societal obligation.” According to Veterans Affairs Canada, vets experience numerous medical conditions, from tinnitus and hearing loss to panic disorders, major depression and chronic back pain.
Others struggle to return to normal civilian life, particularly Afghanistan veterans who feel rudderless without their military family, daily structure and intense experiences. Given their mental and physical pain, it’s little wonder some turn to self-medicating and become addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
According to the Veterans’ House website, between 3,000 and 5,000 veterans are known to be experiencing homelessness across Canada, but Rawsthorne believes the number is likely double that. Many don’t come forward and ask for help because they feel shame, she says, after winding up without a roof over their heads after years of resiliency and respect within their military organization.
Moving forward in Edmonton
Veterans’ House (VHC) is working to continue changing that, with a new building project in Edmonton. The new home, similar to the Ottawa facility, is set to open its doors in 2026 and will offer 40 bachelor units, a social room, fitness room, library, calming meditation park and service dog area.
VHC hopes to raise $6 million in private donations to reach its fundraising target and will provide numerous dedication options, naming opportunities and sponsorships. It’s also hoping to find “ambassador” families who will partner with them by spearheading fundraising events, whether it’s a lunch, golf outing or gala evening, with plenty of VHC support.
“We want to work in partnership. We don’t just want to collect the cheque,” says Rawsthorne.
Or, if you have $250,000 to give, you could sponsor the Edmonton building’s new main foyer and name it in a loved one’s honour. The exclusive opportunity also offers the opportunity to lay a wreath at VHC’s annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, which veterans also attend.
“To be able to leave that legacy for someone you love, it’s so beautiful,” Rawsthorne says.
Options for giving
Here are some charitable organizations and foundations that support veterans and their families in Canada.
Canada Company
What: Founded in 2006 at the height of the Afghanistan conflict, Canada Company began by providing children of fallen soldiers access to post-secondary education. It now also helps men and women find meaningful work post-deployment.
Why now: It’s been more than 80 years since D-Day. Canada Company is making sure that the Second World War battle is never forgotten by developing an educational program for Ontario children.
How to move forward: Visit the website or contact Marie Claire Ouellette, managing director, at 647-801-5210 or marieclaire-ouellette@canadacompany.ca.
Royal Canadian Legion
What: Known for its national poppy campaign, “the Legion believes it is our duty not only to remember the sacrifices of our veterans, but also to support them in times of personal need,” says Nujma Bond, national spokesperson.
Why now: Larger donations help to provide free assistance to any veteran who contacts them, even if they aren’t a Legion member. Even something as simple as helping them fill out forms to receive benefits can go a long way toward relieving stress.
How to move forward: Fill out the online donation form at legion.ca and request a call from a representative, or call 613-591-3335, ext. 229.
Together We Stand
What: Co-founded by first-generation Canadians Rick and Lillian Ekstein, the not-for-profit steps in to help spouses and children whose family members are deployed overseas.
Why now: Funding goes directly to emergency housing, emergency childcare and food security, particularly needed at a time when military families are experiencing more hardship due to the high cost of living.
How to move forward: Visit the website or contact Cailey Ahearn at cahearn@twsfoundation.ca.
True Patriot Love Foundation
What: Offers a range of services to help with physical and mental rehabilitation of former soldiers. It also supports other charities that dovetail with its own offerings.
Why now: TPL offers in-person expeditions that change lives. An all-women expedition will tackle the Nahanni River in the Northwest Territories in 2025, celebrating female strength and resilience, and shining a light on the challenges related to work-life integration.
How to move forward: Visit the donation page on the website for a comprehensive list of ways to get involved.
Veterans’ House Canada
What: Provides permanent housing and wraparound services to Canadian veterans experiencing homelessness.
Why now: With its new Edmonton site and other facilities in the works in other Canadian cities, donors have ample opportunities to honour loved ones who were in the Armed Forces.
How to move forward: Visit the website or contact Angella Rawsthorne, fund development manager at 613-408-5008, fund.development@veteranshousecanada.ca
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