The Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund (VOESF) was announced on Tuesday, 10 November, 2020. The call for applications was launched on the same day, with a closing date of 22 November, 2020. Applications were reviewed by a team using the evaluation criteria contained in the VOESF policy.
Total VOESF Fund - $20 million
- VOESF Funds Previously Allocated - $17.35 million
- VOESF Funds Available to Award through a Call for Applications - $2.65M
- Funding Recipients – 38
Recipient Organizations
- 413 Wing (Trenton), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
Air Force City Wing is a non-profit organization that caters to Veterans, CAF members, Air Cadets and members of the community in Trenton, Ontario. The main purpose of the organization is to provide and foster fellowship for all who have served. The Wing also cooperates with other Wings and Veteran organizations to assist in the welfare of ex-Air Force personnel. - 416 Wing (Kingston), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
The 416 Air Force Wing of RCAF is a non-profit organization for former and still serving members of Canada’s Air Force. The organization includes 32 Veteran members and 15 spouses. The wing provides a place for members to socialize in a safe manner, including dinner events and darts and horseshoe leagues. The majority of their revenue comes from hall rental and social activities which have been severely impacted by COVID-19. - 420 Wing (Oshawa), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
The 420 Wing is a local organization developed by Air Force Veterans to provide a space for socializing, remembrance and promoting Air Force activities. The Wing provides roughly 70 Oshawa area Veterans with in-person services, such as low-cost meals and a social environment. COVID-19 has negatively impacted their revenue for the year, and the VOESF will assist them to ensure they continue operating. - 427 Wing (London), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
The 427 (London) wing of the RCAFA participates in civic and community programs, supports the Royal Canadian Air Cadet programs and commemorates those who served in the Air Force. The organization provides social activities to Veteran members. Prior to COVID-19, the organization helped 100 to 300 Veterans annually. The organization has not had social events since March 2020 and projects a decrease in fundraising in the upcoming months. - 447 Wing (Hamilton), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
The 447 Wing of the RCAFA provides a facility where retired members of the RCAF can meet and share stories about their experiences serving, to interact with the community, hosting events for all to participate. There are also commemorative, community, celebratory and charity events surrounding their RCAF members and the Air Cadet program. - 808 Wing (Thunderbird), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
The 808 Wing provides social connectivity to their members through lunches and memorial and remembrance activities. Their facility has been closed through the pandemic, which has limited activities, but the group has been able to provide social connectivity virtually. VOESF funding will be used to assist with operating expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, professional fees, and materials. - 888 Wing (Komox), Royal Canadian Air Force Association
The 888 Komox Wing of RCAFA supports Veterans rehabilitation initiatives, fostering and supporting community youth activities, supporting the 386 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and supporting community charitable organizations. It serves 310 Veteran members. The financial assistance will allow the organization to continue support for: Vancouver Island Society for Adaptive Snow sports; Invictus Games participants; Soldier On; Boomer's Legacy; The Views Assisted Living; the Salvation Army; and the Homeless Veterans Initiative. - Canadian Associations of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping
CAVUNP is an organization for Canadians who served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. It perpetuates the memories of fallen comrades, works with other Veterans organizations, donates to libraries, educates and engages in community services, and raises and co-ordinates funds for assisting in these endeavors. Approximately 450 Veterans are served in person or virtually. VOESF funding will be used to support several CAVUNP chapters that are struggling to maintain operations and membership during the pandemic. - Canada Company Many Ways to Serve
Canada Company Many Ways to Serve is a national registered charity. Some of their programs include a scholarship program for children of fallen Veterans and support for Veterans through wellness and other local funds. They also fund various educational initiatives, donate to various family support programs including Military Family Resource Centres and commemoration initiatives. - Can Praxis
Can Praxis provides equine programs to help Veterans, active service members and RCMP members, as well as their spouses in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. They cover the costs of travel and accommodations for participants to travel to Alberta to attend equine therapy. Their organization is national in scope, but future programming has had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. VOESF funds will assist with operational expenses such as rent, materials, printing and administration. - Citadel Canine
Citadel Therapy Canine Society is a British Columbia registered not-for-profit charitable society. It provides PTSD and OSI service dogs for military Veterans and first responders (police, fire, EMT, nursing, and 9-1-1 personnel). It provides highly trained therapeutic service dogs to candidates at no cost to the recipient. In 2019, 75% of their work was for CAF/RCMP members/Veterans. The society trains rescue or surrendered dogs as part of their mission. They have teams from Newfoundland to Vancouver. - Courageous Companions
Courageous Companions is a non-profit charitable organization which provides CAF members, Veterans, and first responders diagnosed with an operational stress injury with a service dog. Courageous Companions is volunteer run and governed by a board of directors, most of whom have ties to the Canadian Armed Forces or first responder field. As of 2019, Courageous Companions has supported over 185 CAF members, Veterans, and first responders in need. - Fondation Québécoise des vétérans
The organization supports therapeutic, social and commemorative programs for Veterans of the Second World War and the Korean War residing at Ste-Anne’s Hospital. Additionally, the group supports Veterans experiencing difficulties in transitioning to civilian life through programming in the areas of PTSD, operational stress injuries, homelessness, and the challenges of dependence, isolation and suicide. - Hamilton Veterans Service League & Social Club
Hamilton’s Veterans Service League and Social Club has been open since 1930 and provides a safe and comfortable environment for Veterans. The Club is run by volunteers. It offers support through a social environment for seniors and over 100 Veterans to help maintain their mental health, and celebrate several commemorative events yearly. - Les Chiens Togo
In existence since 2015, Les Chiens Togo operates exclusively in the Province of Québec with a focus on Veterans, the military and first responders. The group trains and pairs psychological assistance dogs with persons who have generalized anxiety and PTSD, and requires 4-12 months of training. Since inception, 30 dogs have been matched including 10 to Veterans. Dogs and humans are supported by two educators and the psychosocial intervener for the life of the dog. - Legacy Place
Legacy Place provides ongoing emergency shelters to first responders, CAF members, Veterans and their families as they navigate through treatment for PTSD, operational stress injuries or other medical and personal crisis situations. The group provides vocational and family training on a variety of topics through various workshops. These services are intended to increase resiliency for individuals and families. - Markham District Veterans Association
The Markham District Veterans Association is a local community based non-profit organization that perpetuates friendships and memories of time in military service as well as first responder service. They promote recognition of the fallen, provide members with social activities, support cadets and related youth programs, and various homelessness programs. - Mood Disorders Society of Canada
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) has a mandate to improve access to treatment, inform research, shape program development and government policies to improve the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD). MDSC supports 400 Veterans and family members. - Oshawa Naval Veterans’ Club
Oshawa Naval Veterans’ Club is a Veterans club affiliated with the Royal Canadian Naval Association offering services for Veterans, help with pensions and medical issues. It also does community service for food banks, women’s shelters and other registered charities. - Ottawa Innercity Ministries
Ottawa Innercity Ministries has a mandate to improve the quality of life of homeless and at-risk Veterans by offering community, advocacy and support. They initiated a pilot project in January 2020 called “Innercity Veterans Outreach and Support.” This program provides street outreach, office drop-in times and a weekly fellowship geared towards homeless and marginally housed Veterans. The service it provides is run mostly by volunteers. It also provides supplies and food to homeless Veterans. - Polish Combatants’ Association Branch #2 (London)
The Polish Combatants Association is an independent social and mutual help organization located in London, Ontario that strives to maintain comradely ties of former soldiers of the Polish Armed Forces, and their families. - Polish Combatants’ Branch #4 (Brantford)
The Polish Combatants’ Branch #4 is a local organization that serves a population of 33 Veterans and their families, in Brantford, Ontario. They support and validate the identity of Polish Veterans who became Canadian citizens. They participate in remembrance activities and have erected two Second World War monuments in the Brantford area. - Polish Combatants’ Association Branch #8 (Ottawa)
The Polish Combatants’ Association is devoted to community service and provides numerous charitable services to Veterans, and communicates to the broader Canadian community the memory of their contribution and sacrifices for the Allied cause during the Second World War - Polish Combatants’ Association Branch No. 13 (Winnipeg)
The Polish Combatants’ Association #13 works with other Veterans’ organizations to raise money for Veterans who are sick or unable to work, as well as the families of deceased members. It provides a social space for their 60 members to remain connected and supported. - Polish Combatants’ Association Branch #18 (Calgary)
The Polish Combatants’ Association Calgary Branch #18 provides numerous charitable services to Veterans and communicates to the broader Canadian community the memory of their contribution and sacrifices for the Allied cause during the Second World War. - Polish Combatants’ Association Branch #20 (Toronto)
The Polish Combatants’ Association is composed of those who served in the Polish Armed Forces during the Second World War. Today, its members include Veterans, CAF members and their families. The Toronto Branch plays an active role in the local community, working for the welfare of Veterans, serving seniors and helping youth and scouting organizations. For Veterans, they organize social events and programs and provide discounts to meals once a week in the restaurant. The social club maintains contact with Veterans and provides transportation services for them to attend their programs. - Quilts of Valour
Quilts of Valour gifts Canadian military members, past and present, who are ill or injured as a result of their service and sacrifice, with a quilt created by volunteers to recognize the sacrifices they have made in support of our country. - Rainbow Veterans Canada
Rainbow Veterans Canada serves LGBT purge survivors and CAF Veterans who identify as LGBTQ+. The organization has a national mandate. The board is run by LGBT purge survivors who volunteer their time giving the organization a unique perspective and reach. - Real Canadian Recreation Society
Real Canadian Recreation Society facilitates rehabilitation, the building of life skills, and mental and physical recovery for CAF Veterans. It operates an eco-adventure Veterans’ facility with outdoor trails for hiking, biking, and all-terrain vehicles. Veterans are engaged with nature programs through camping, fishing, and physical activity. The organization offers a center for retreats and events catering to Veterans, many of whom are suffering from PTSD. Activities are aimed at healing and calming those who are suffering with PTSD by paying attention to mind and body. - Royal Canadian Air Force Association (Head Office)
The Royal Canadian Air Force Association is a non-profit aerospace and community service organization established to commemorate the noble achievements of the people who served as members of Canada’s Air Force. It advocates for a proficient and well-equipped air force and support the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program. - Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund
The Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance to those who struggle with providing the essential necessities of life. It partners with the Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces Morale and Welfare Services. The Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund is supported by donations from serving and ex-service personnel, civilian friends and naval organizations. - Team Rubicon Canada
Team Rubicon serves vulnerable and at-risk populations affected by disasters of all kinds. Its objective is to help get survivors of disasters back in their homes as quickly and safely as possible. It provides this service with the volunteer support of Veterans, its greatest volunteer source. The work performed by volunteers creates a sense of fulfillment within their teams. As part of a COVID-19 response, Team Rubicon Canada together with partners, launched the #NeighboursHelpingNeighbours initiative to meet the needs of communities through safe, individual acts of service in response to the COVID-19 crisis. - Six Nations Veterans Association
The Six Nations Veterans Association was formed in 1949. Its mandate is to promote the general welfare and interests of Six Nations Veterans and their families. The SNVA also helps support activities and positive interaction with the surrounding community Legions, encourages the fraternity of its members and recognizes the value of training of our youth and in developing skills. The community hall is the primary location for training sessions, social gatherings, and mourning those who have been lost. - Valour Place
Valour Place is a temporary recovery home providing free accommodations while military, RCMP, Veterans and their families are in Edmonton for medical treatments. Valour Place helps reduce the stress and undue hardship during recovery and rehab on those who served. Having loved ones nearby, along with good medical care, is essential for successful recovery. - Veterans Association Food Bank
Veterans Association Food Bank is a registered charity operating locations in Calgary and Edmonton, which has also provided remote support to Veterans in British Columbia, Newfoundland and New Brunswick. In 2019, 365 Veterans and 191 their immediate family members were supported by way of food security, financial aid and Veteran peer support. With this support, the VAFB goal is to reduce instances of Veteran homelessness and suicide. - Veteran Farm Project
The Veteran Farm Project offers Veterans an opportunity to work and spend time in nature on Sweet Squish Farms in Nova Scotia. It uses nature based activities, such as growing vegetables and flowers, as a way to heal Veterans from trauma in service. All produce grown is donated to Veteran families in need. Families in need of food are identified through the Nova Scotia/Nunavut Legion Command. The organization is open to all Veterans but they focus on giving women Veterans a comfortable space to support transition to civilian life. - Veterans Transition Network
The Veterans Transition Network is a registered charity that provides mental health group counselling programs for Veterans across Canada (CAF/RCMP). The programs help Veterans overcome trauma, improve mental health and well-being, strengthen family relationships, stabilize employment and facilitate the transition from military to civilian life. The organization usually serves 130 veterans per year; demand has increased due to COVID-19 and there are 400 individuals waiting to participate in a newly adapted shorter program. - Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider, which uses clinical best practices and evidence-based care to create an environment of compassion, resilience and hope for Veterans, first responders and their families. They provide a wide range of programs and services benefiting individual members, couples, spouses, and children affected by operational stress injuries such as PTSD. Approximately 1,000 Veterans and their family members receive care through Wounded Warriors Canada programming each year. Services are both in-person and via virtual program delivery.