Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command of The Royal Canadian Legion www.ns.legion.ca 9 continued ... Many of these listed initiatives grew wider in scope while some were discontinued because they were not financially sustainable. NS/NUC’s sponsorship of the Veteran Transition Program (VTP) for example, was cancelled because the cost to deliver the program rose from the original of approximately $7,500 per participant, to over $15,000. However, additional programs have been added through the years which have proven to produce positive and lasting therapeutic results. One aspect of the VOP structure that never seems to change is the immediate and urgent financial requirements of the many Veterans who wait on receipt of benefits and pensions through Veterans Affairs Canada and DND. During the past 8 years, through generous donations by our branches and other entities to our VOP and Benevolent funds, NS/NUC has expended hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of hundreds of Nova Scotia Veterans and their families. This immediate financial assistance is of vital importance to these families and as such, the branches of NS/NUC, through their donations, provide a means to fulfill these emergent needs across Nova Scotia. We thank all of our Legion branches for their support to our Veterans and their families! The VOP, with approval of the Executive Council, had made yearly donations to the Military Family Resource Centre. Executive Council eventually questioned whether these donations were reaching those most in need and whether the donations were being spread proportionately across the province. In order to ensure these funds achieved maximum effect, in 2016, the VOP began re-directing our support through the Military Family Mental Health/Operational Stress Injury Support Peer Retreat and their annual mental health retreat. The 3 retreats sponsored to date have allowed adult female family members of ill and injured Canadian Forces serving personnel, and Veterans from across Nova Scotia, to reduce the impact of their isolation and help remove the stigma of mental health injuries. There are many successful and life altering retreats available for Veterans, however, there are limited opportunities that provide the family member with a similar opportunity. The VOP is proud to be able to help make this retreat available. Another initiative that was introduced several years ago is the proposed Veterans Memorial Medical Clinic. The VOP and Executive Council recognizes the tremendous need, and fully supports, the establishment of this Veteran centric centre. Although the centre remains in the development stages, great strides have been made in raising the awareness of the provincial and federal governments to the necessity of making this centre a reality. continued ...
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