The Legion Foundation BC/Yukon supports services that help veterans, seniors and youth in local communities. It is estimated that 8% of Canadian adults meet the criteria for probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One of the ways that Legion Foundation BC/Yukon supports those with PTSD is through programs that train and provide service dogs. These special dogs help veterans transition back into the community, providing confidence and unconditional support.

The Legion Foundation BC/Yukon was pleased to provide Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs (VICD), a division of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, a donation of $60,000. These funds will help ensure that more dogs can be trained to work alongside veterans in their Healthy Community Living Program. This year-long program matches dogs with veterans and trains them to work together. Through the training, dogs learn their person’s unique triggers and how to care for them. Gently waking from nightmares, calming in stressful situations and providing unconditional support are just some of the wonderful things these “Dogs with Jobs” do for their people.

This support would not have been possible without the generous support of Legion Foundation donors – thank you! To learn more about the VICD Service Dog program, including how to apply, please visit the BC and Alberta Guide Dogs website.