VICD Service Dogs, a Division of BC Guide Dogs, would like to recognize the contributions made to its PTSD Service Dog Program by Royal Canadian Legion Branches, the BC /Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation, Wounded Warriors Canada, and the local Vancouver Island community during the pandemic.

The organization received a donation last month of $26,400 from 100 Women Who Care in Oceanside, as well as a donation of $5,000 from the Raymond James Canada Foundation – presented by David and Shirley Nellist from Raymond James Qualicum Beach.

“The personal stories we hear from Veterans who have received dogs continue to amaze us,” say the Nellists. “Each recipient has been helped to rebuild their place in our communities, and we are grateful to the VICD Service Dogs organization for making this possible.”

The Trafalgar Pro Patria Legion Branch No. 292 and the Langford Prince Edward Legion Branch No. 91 have both provided space in their buildings to VICD Service Dogs for classes and events for the Veterans and for the puppies-in-training.

“The donations, encouragement, and in-kind contributions have been instrumental during this COVID-19 pandemic,” says Mike Annan, Executive Director of VICD Service Dogs. “As sustainability is always a challenge for programs like ours, we are also especially grateful for the ongoing financial support from Wounded Warriors Canada and the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion Foundation, and the close relationship we have with the Qualicum Beach Legion Branch No. 76.”

VICD matches Veterans and First Responders with PTSD Service Dogs, and together the teams embark on a 52-week Healthy Community Living Program that teaches strategies that support community transition, inclusion and accessibility.