Canadians can send Valentines to Vets

For the last 30 years, Valentines for Vets has been showing gratitude to Veterans for their sacrifices and achievements in serving our country.

Every year, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) invites Canadian schools, individuals, and organizations to make Valentines for Vets. Once received, VAC then distributes the valentines to Veterans in long-term care facilities across the country in time for February 14.

“Valentines for Vets provides an opportunity for Canadians to thank our Canadian Veterans for their service,” says Martin Magnan, team lead media, Veterans Affairs Canada. “The personal touch of handmade valentines brings smiles to their faces—some Veterans even display their cards for weeks after Valentine’s Day.”

The initiative was created by late newspaper columnist Ann Landers, who encouraged her readers to create special valentines for Veterans in care facilities throughout Canada and the United States. VAC became involved with the program in 1996 and has been receiving and distributing valentines to Veterans in care facilities across the country ever since.

Landers passed away in 2002. However, VAC says they are committed to continuing her legacy of honouring Veterans while reminding Canadians to be grateful and help teach students about Veterans’ sacrifices and successes along the way.

Canadians interested in sending a valentine to a Veteran can send them by February 1st to:

Valentines for Vets Veterans Affairs Canada Commemoration
Distribution Unit 125 Maple Hills Ave.
Charlottetown, PE
C1C 0B6.

Valentines that are not received by the deadline will be kept to distribute next year.

Although creativity is encouraged, the Veterans Affairs Canada website offers tips and suggestions to ensure valentines will be distributed.

“Please do not include candy or chocolate with the valentines,” the website suggests, as well as “Ensuring students are aware of who Veterans are—they are living and were men and women who served in the military. Avoid using ‘RIP’ and images related to violence or death, such as graveyards or guns.”

For more information about this program and how you can get involved, visit here. Or, email here.