February 14, 2006
Ottawa -- Thanks to the generosity of Canadian school children, youth groups, and others, more than 10,000 Veterans in long term care facilities across Canada will receive hand-made valentines this year as part of the Valentines for Vets program.
The Valentines for Vets concept began in 1989 when American advice columnist Ann Landers asked her readers to remember their nation's Veterans on Valentine's Day, a tradition which was also adopted by Canadian readers. Although Ms. Landers passed away in 2002, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has continued this important program, with this year marking the department's 10th year of participation.
"This year, for the first time, we have expanded the Valentines for Vets program beyond the facilities where we have priority access beds, to reach Veterans in an additional 1,900 long-term care facilities across Canada," said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "As a result, Veterans in more than 2,000 facilities will receive valentines due to the enormous response we have had to the program this year."
Valentines received this year include messages like this one from Stephanie, a grade 6 student: "I hope you have a wonderful valentines day filled with lots of cards like this one because you deserve it!"
From elaborate cards made with felt and flowers to construction paper cards with simple notes written by the very young, it is easy to see that each one has been made with care and respect for Veterans.
For more information on the Valentines for Vets program, visit the web site.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
All Other Enquiries:information@vac-acc.gc.ca
