The Royal Canadian Legion – Trafalgar Pro Patria Branch officially presented a $15,000 contribution to Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs (VICD) for its PTSD Service Dog program on Sunday, May 19, 2019. This donation is part of a combined effort from Legions across British Columbia to help positively change the lives of Veterans, Veterans’ families, and the communities they live in.

“It’s an honour and privilege to receive such a generous donation.” says Mike Annan, Executive Director and co-Founder of Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs. “This level of support for our Veteran Service Dog program directly represents the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion’s commitment to helping our injured Veterans.”

President Lorraine Salkus of Legion Branch #292 Trafalgar/Pro Patria and Angus Stanfield, Chairman of BC/Yukon Legion Foundation with VICD executive director Mike Annan and military Veterans with their PTSD dogs.

VICD, a Division of BC Guide Dogs, formed in 2014 to provide support and Service Dogs for Veterans experiencing the debilitating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress. It has since become the first PTSD program in North America to achieve international accreditation under the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) PTSD Service Dog standards.

Each Veteran and PTSD Service Dog team completes a unique 52-week healthy community living program, which provides personalized support and motivation for Veterans transitioning back into their communities.

Angus Stanfield, Chairman of the Victoria Remembrance Day Committee Poppy Fund, is very proud of the Legion’s long-time relationship with VICD and says that, “They produce incredible results! They are definitely leaders in their field. I have no doubt that they are saving the lives of our Veterans.”