David Howard, Founder of the Canadian Legacy Project, formed the charity in 2008 to support Canadian Veterans during their transition to civilian life and to advocate on their behalf. Inspired by his grandfather’s struggles with PTSD and alcoholism due to inadequate support, Howard’s mission is to develop and fund programs for Veterans that are underfunded or unavailable through Veterans Affairs. The Canadian Legacy Project also aims to educate Canadians about the sacrifices made by Veterans and to celebrate their contributions to the country.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Canadian Legacy Project was formed in 2008 to support Canadian Veterans in their time of need and to advocate and educate on their behalf. It is our mission to develop and fund programs that are not currently being offered, or that are underfunded by Veterans Affairs. In parallel to this, as a registered charity, we advocate on behalf of our Canadian Veterans, recognize, and celebrate our Canadian Veterans, and educate Canadians about our veterans and the sacrifices they have made standing on guard for Canada.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Supporting our Veterans as they transition from the military to civilian life and advocating on their behalf.
When did you start/join it?
2008
What made you want to get involved?
I had a grandfather who suffered from shell shock, now referred to as PTSD, and became an alcoholic. He was a broken man in need of help and there was very little support available. I was not proud of what he did when he drank, but I saw a broken man that needed help.
What was the situation like when you started?
Veteran Affairs was offering some programming, but our Veterans were having a difficult time accessing these services. Further Canadians were unaware of the issues facing our Veterans.
How has it changed since?
Since 2008 Veterans Affairs has improved and national Veterans charities are now working together to support those who served, as opposed to butting heads are arguing about who understands the issues better.
Canadians love and respect those who have served and they are coming together to support Veteran groups across Canada. It makes me proud to be Canadian when I see people getting involved in the cause.
What more needs to be done?
We are seeing an increase in women Veterans who need support after they leave the military and there are not many programs designed exclusively for our women Veterans. Specifically, women Veterans show a higher prevalence of suicide than male Veterans, are medically released more often than men and earn an average of 40 per cent less than men postmilitary. Our women Veterans suffer high levels of sexual abuse during their military service and are twice as likely to become homeless than their male counterparts.
How can our readers help?
Thank a Veteran for standing on guard for Canada and supporting your local and national Veteran charities.
Do you have any events coming up?
Annually we present Stand Up For Veterans, a comedy event held in Calgary at the Jack Singer Concert Hall. Friday, September 6th. Five amazing comedians coming together to support our Canadian Veterans. The event is hosted by legendary comedian and writer Nigel Lawrence.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
I love the work Homes For Heroes is doing. They are building and directing tiny home villages with wrap-around social support programming for our unhoused Veterans.
