Spreading the love for Veterans this Valentine’s Day
Veterans in long-term care facilities across the country will receive handmade valentines on February 14th.
The annual initiative is led by Veterans Affairs Canada, who distributes valentines made by schools, organizations, and individuals to Veterans all over Canada. Thanks to a local craft day hosted by the Borden Family Resource Centre (BFRC), many of those will be made by hands from right here at CFB Borden.
“This is a way for us to bring joy and the idea that [Veterans] are remembered outside of Remembrance Day,” said Debbie Legault, BFRC Family Support Facilitator.
(Photo: Emily Nakeff, Borden Citizen)
For her, the project is also a personal one. As the wife, daughter, and granddaughter of Veterans, she was thrilled to be involved.
“Even if we sent one, that for me would be magical,” she said. “It’s not about the numbers, it’s about the thought. It’s about making sure the community is aware that they can give back in this way.”
January and February can be especially difficult for people, with the cold winter months making it difficult to get outdoors and stay active, and to stay connected with loved ones through meaningful in-person visits. Since many Veterans in long-term care facilities don’t have family close by, these valentines are a way to make sure that everybody is celebrated.
Her own daughter and grandchildren also attended the event—three generations creating hand-made cards for Veterans. Debbie’s daughter, Stephanie McEachern, said the card making was a great weekend activity for her and her two crafty kids, in more ways than one.
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”9″ display=”basic_slideshow”]“If we weren’t here, he’d be sitting on the couch playing Nintendo,” she said of her son, 7-year-old Elliott. “So not only is he doing something more active and creative, but it’s valuable. My kids are learning that there are people out there that need the love, so it’s good to just share that lesson.”
Among the children and adults working hard to create as many valentines as possible, they all shared the hope that the cards would simply make a Veteran feel loved.
“As they’re receiving them, I would hope that they feel loved, that they feel remembered, that they feel less alone. They’ll wake up on Valentine’s Day and get a card and know, ‘you’re still special and we’re thinking about you.’”
By: Emily Nakeff, Editor
