Ottawa, Ontario
Mrs. Allard is the widow of a NATO Veteran. She has been a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 462 for more than 20 years. Prior to joining the Legion, Mrs. Allard worked with her husband who was Branch 462's Service Officer. For the past 15 years, Mrs. Allard has been Branch Service Officer and has been instrumental in assisting Veterans to apply for and receive benefits and disability pensions. Since its inception in 2005, Mrs. Allard has been involved with "Operation Snowman," an endeavour of the Military Resource Centre CANEX to provide Advent baskets to Veterans living on their own. Mrs. Allard canvasses for this project and assists with wrapping gifts and filling the baskets, which are then presented to Veterans at her local branch. She arranges for a free luncheon and transportation home for Veterans receiving a basket. Mrs. Allard has been successful in acquiring temporary shelter, funds, furniture and other materials for Veterans in times of need. Mrs. Allard organizes an annual, free luncheon for Veterans on the last Friday of October. Approximately 70 Veterans attend this annual event and Mrs. Allard arranges for a guest speaker to inform Veterans on updates to benefits and services. Mrs. Allard maintains a close liaison with the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre on matters concerning Veterans.