Veterans have served their countries with dedication and sacrifice, and many face unique challenges as they transition back to civilian life. Whether dealing with physical injuries, mental health concerns, or the need for job support, veterans in the US and Canada often require assistance in various forms. In honor of November’s Veterans and Remembrance Days, we wanted to share some impactful ways you can help:
1. Support Veteran-Focused Charities
Numerous organizations work tirelessly to address veterans’ needs, offering services ranging from housing support to mental health counseling. In the US, groups like the Wounded Warrior Project and Fisher House Foundation provide healthcare and housing aid. In Canada, True Patriot Love Foundation and Veterans Transition Network focus on mental health and family support. Donations to these groups help fund essential programs and resources.
https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/
2. Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering can be incredibly rewarding, offering direct ways to connect with and support veterans. Opportunities vary widely, from mentoring and job training to offering companionship to those who may be isolated. Many hospitals and veteran centers welcome volunteers to support recovery programs and social initiatives.
3. Raise Awareness about Mental Health Support
Veterans experience higher rates of PTSD and mental health issues compared to the general population. Sharing resources and information about mental health services for veterans—such as the Veterans Crisis Line in the US and the Veterans Affairs Canada helpline—helps connect veterans with vital mental health support.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
4. Engage in Acts of Kindness and Appreciation
Simple gestures, like writing thank-you notes, attending Remembrance Day or Veterans Day ceremonies, and supporting veteran-owned businesses, show gratitude and recognition for veterans’ service. Small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact on their lives. Hugs for Soldiers collects thank you cards and notes and adds them to care packages they send to deployed troops. Operation Shoebox assembles care packages to send to oversees troops. Every box includes a bag of candy, so if you are wondering what to do with that leftover Halloween candy…
https://www.hugsforsoldiers.org/cards-and-letters
5. Support Organizations that Help Veterans and Their Pets
Any animal lover will tell you the joy their pets bring to their lives, but did you know that animals often play a crucial role in veterans’ lives, providing emotional support, companionship, and assistance with PTSD and other mental health conditions? Here are some organizations that assist veterans and their pets:
Pets for Vets pairs shelter animals with veterans, giving both a chance at a new life. They carefully match veterans with a pet that suits their lifestyle, ensuring a strong bond. They provide training for the pet and support through the transition period to make the adjustment process smooth and fulfilling for both the veteran and the animal.
Courageous Companions provides trained service dogs to military veterans and first responders.
https://courageouscompanions.ca/
K9s For Warriors is dedicated to pairing military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma with service dogs. This program provides dogs, often rescues, who are trained as service animals to assist veterans with daily tasks, emotional support, and mental health stability.
https://donate.k9sforwarriors.org/
Companions for Heroes helps connect veterans, first responders, and active military members with shelter animals, providing a therapeutic benefit to both the hero and the pet. his organization supports veterans with the adoption process, covering adoption fees, training, and veterinary expenses for the animal, easing the transition into a pet-friendly life.
https://www.companionsforheroes.org/
These organizations are making a significant difference by recognizing the powerful, healing bond between veterans and their pets. By pairing veterans with animals and providing necessary training and support, they help both the veterans and pets experience a fulfilling, healthier life.
Supporting veterans goes beyond a single day or month of recognition. By contributing time, resources, and awareness, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served, ensuring they feel supported and valued in the communities they helped protect.
