Deputy Minister General (retired) Walt Natynczyk presents Valentines to Veterans at The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Français
Valentines for Vets program lets Canadians honour and bring joy to Veterans on Valentine's Day
OTTAWA, Feb. 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadian Veterans have bravely served to protect and uphold the peace and liberty we enjoy today. Since 1996, the Veterans Affairs Canada's Valentines for Vets program allows youth, individuals and organizations across the country to express their gratitude and bring joy to Veterans on Valentine's Day.
Today, Veterans Affairs Canada's Deputy Minister General (retired) Walt Natynczyk, joined employees at the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre to present handmade valentines to Veterans.
Deputy Minister Natynczyk spent time with the long-term care employees and Veteran residents, delivered Valentine cards and visited the facility.
Valentines for Vets invites Canadians to create valentines with messages of thanks for Veterans in long-term care facilities across Canada. Every year, Veterans Affairs Canada receives thousands of handmade valentines and distributes them to long-term care facilities where they are delivered to Veteran residents in time for Valentine's Day.
Valentines for Vets reminds Veterans of Canadians' gratitude for their service. The personal touch of handcrafted valentines brings smiles to their faces—some Veterans display their cards for weeks after Valentine's Day.
Quotes
"The Valentines for Vets program is a heartwarming way for Canadians, especially youth, to honour our Veterans, become familiar with the sacrifices and achievements of those who served, and send a personal thank you to Veterans for their service and bravery."
Sherry Romanado, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
- Valentines for Vets began in 1989, when the late newspaper columnist Ann Landers encouraged her readers to create special valentines for Veterans throughout Canada and the United States.
- Veterans Affairs Canada has participated in this program since 1996.
- In 2017, Veterans Affairs Canada distributed approximately 17,000 valentines to more than 6,000 Veterans in 1,453 Canadian long-term care facilities.
Related Products
Associated Links
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Alex Wellstead, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649
Share this article