Veteran Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada

Veteran Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada

Veteran Emergency Transition Services (VETS) Canada is one of the recipients of the 2021 Bell True Patriot Love Fund. Below they’ve answered some questions to help us learn a little more about their program, what they hope to achieve, and what they aim to do with the funding provided. 

 1. Tell me a little bit about your organization and its mission.   

VETS Canada was founded in 2010 with an aim to provide immediate, on-the-ground support to Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP who have become homeless, are at risk of becoming homeless or are otherwise in crisis. A volunteer-led organization, VETS Canada has hundreds of dedicated volunteers across the country. In 2015, VETS Canada launched its Guitars for Vets program.

2. Can you describe your program in 3-4 sentences, including outlined objectives the program aims to achieve?

The Guitars for Vets program is a simple concept. Veterans or serving CAF members are provided with a new or gently used guitar and 10 free guitar lessons. The aim of the program is to put the healing power of music into the hands of heroes who are living with mental illnesses- PTSD, anxiety, depression or other Occupation Stress Injuries.

3. What is the desired outcome of your program and its impact on the Veteran and military community?

The desired outcome of the Guitars for Vets program is improved mental health for the Veteran or serving member by providing a positive outlet.

4. What does this grant from the Bell True Patriot Love Fund mean to you?  

This funding from True Patriot Love will allow us to organize a Guitars for Vets clinic which will bring together 10-15 Veterans for a weekend of guitar lessons with a celebrity guitar instructor. This clinic will allow Veterans to come together with their peers in a relaxed, supportive environment.