Everyone can use a little more love in their life, especially those who find themselves alone in care facilities. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to gather your creative abilities to make beautiful cards to send to Veterans who could use a little extra TLC.
Valentines for Vets was started in 1989 by the late Ann Landers; a newspaper columnist, who asked her readers to send hand-made cards in appreciation of Veterans in long-term care facilities across Canada. The tradition has been passed down and maintained by Veterans Affairs Canada who are now asking teachers and children to help contribute to the project.
This initiative is a great way to teach children about all the hard work and sacrifice our Veterans have done for our country. Teachers or parents can send in photos or videos of students holding their cards by using the hashtag #valentinesforvets! which will be compiled into a short video to show veterans on February 14th.
If you and your children want to send cards to our Veterans, send them by mail to Valentines for Vets Veterans Affairs Canada Commemoration, Distribution Unit 125 Maple Hills Avenue Charlottetown, PE C1C 0B6. If you want the cards to arrive for Valentine's day be sure to send them before February 1st. Any card that is sent after will be saved and sent for next year.
It would be great to include in the card why our veterans are important along with a nice poem like "Flanders Field" or "Roses are Red". Although a store-bought card is acceptable a hand-made card is more personal and special. For more information on what and what not to write visit their website https://www.veterans.gc.ca/valentines-for-veterans
